Brackett genealogy: descendants of Anthony Brackett of Portsmouth and Captain Richard Brackett of Braintree. With biographies of the immigrant fathers, their sons, and others of their posterity

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BRACKET! GENEALOGY

DESCENDANTS OF ^

ANTHONY BRACKETT

OF PORTSMOUTH

AND

CAPTAIN RICHARD BRACKETT

OF BRAINTREE

WITH

BIOGRAPHIES OF THE IMMIGRANT FATHERS,

THEIR SONS, AND OTHERS OF

THEIR POSTERITY

BY HERBERT 1. BRACKETT

"Our fathers, who were they?'

PUBLISHED BY H. I. BRACKETT, WASHINGTON. D. C.

1907

/ .

"I have observ-ed that old people live much in
the past. As I grow older I find myself turning
oftener to the days in the old home. I hear the
patter and the prattle of childish feet and voice ;
light step of youth and maid; sober footfall and
serious word of man and matron; the slowing step
and failing voice of age. ' All, all are gone! I
alone am left of

'The dear home faces whereupon

The fitful firelight paled and shown.

Hence forward, listen as I will

The voices of that hearth are still.

How strange it seems with so much gone

Of life and love to still live on.'"

Mrs. Silence J. Soule.

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Two hundred fifty years ago on or near the
site of the monument perhaps could be seen on a
clear and pleasant day, the herculean form of the
man in whose memory the monument is erected,
with hand shading his brow as he strained his
vision to see the limits of his vast domain border-
ing on the most beautiful of the island-gemmed bays
on the coast of Maine. In the present time there
are few successive minutes in a day when descend-
ants of his are not passing over its waters to and
from his beloved Casco. As they glide over the
ba}^, if they choose, they can see where or near
where he stood, and looking also may honor his
memory with a thought. L,et them think of him as
Portland's first settler. If to this they object because
the distinction was by chance, then let them think
of him as the Deputy President of lyigonia. If this
does not please them for the reason that the honor
was but the gift of his fellow men, then let them
think of him as the George Cleeve who

"Would be tenant to never a man in
New England."

•/

ARMORIAL BEARINGS.

A description of the coat of arms, a cut of which appears on
page ^4< is

Shield, sable (black), three garbs, or, (gold). Crest, goat's
head, or. Wreath in six divided, the two colors of the shield, black
and gold. Helmet and mantle, or.^ Scroll, sable. In the introduc-
tion on page 6 it is stated that this coat of arms is not claimed by any
other than the Brackett family. It is claimed by the Brickett family;
its right has not been established in any court of heraldry.

The cut of the coat of arms on page 438, in many particulars, is
like the coat of arms of the Brockett family, described,

Shield of gold with cross patonce (three points to each arm of
the cross, slightly curved), sable. The crest a brock or young
deer lodged.

Some of those persons who have representations of the coat of
arms appearing on page 438 are authority for the statement that
the cross is gold faintly outlined with red on a shield of black, its
border blue; the crest a brock, statani.

ILLUSTRATIONS AND MAPS.

Cleeve's Monument,

PAGE
Opposite to vii

Site where Anthony Brackett was killed, . . Opposite to (55

[A sign was nailed to a tree on Deering avenue,
Portland, Me., giving the location of the house of
Aiithony Brackett, where tradition said it stood, and
where is now a cellar-hole and a tree growing in it, as
shown in the picture. Anthony Brackett was killed
near the spot. The locality is about one mile west of
the city hall, four or five rods east from Deering avenue,
near the bank under which the Worcester & Nashua
Branch of the Boston & Maine railroad now (1907)
runs. It is in the "front field" of the Deering farm
and back of Deering Park.]

Map of Falmouth and Casco bay,

Map of Berwick, ist Parish,

Plat of First church of Falmouth, 1763,

Map of Greenland and Rye,

Coat of Arms, ....

Coat of Arms (Braintree),

69
96
161
360
438
514

CONTENTS

xill

CONTENTS.

INTRODUCTION.

PART

Chapter I.
George Cleeve, the Deputy President of Ivigonia,

Chapter II-
Anthony Brackett, the Immigrant, of Portsmouth,

Chapter III.
Captain Anthony Brackett of Fahnouth,

Chapter IV.
Thomas Brackett of Falmouth, . • • •

Chapter V.
Anthony Brackett, the Soldier, . ■•

Chapter VI.
Zachariah Brackett of Back Cove,
'' Chapter VII.

/lieutenant Joshua Brackett of Greenland, .

I Chapter VIII.

.^ ;amuel Brackett, the First in Berwick,

1 Chapter IX.

S amuel Brackett, Jr., of Berwick,

Chapter X.
A .nthony Brackett of Boston,

\ Chapter XI.

C. W^ain Richard Brackett of Braintree,

PACK

10

76

81

94

99

102

109

\

/

xiv CONTENTS

PART II.

PAGE

Division 1.
John Brackett of Rye, and His Descendants, . . . 122

Division 2.
Colonel Thomas Brackett of Bristol, and His Descendants, . 124

Division 3,
Abraham Brackett of Falmouth, and His Descendants, . 133

Division 4.
Anthony Brackett, Jr., of Stroudwater, and His Descendants, 158

Division 5.
Thomas Brackett of Morrill's Corner, and His Descendants, 183

Division 6.

Zachariah Brackett, Jr., of Stevens' Plains, and His De-
scendants, ....... 212

\ Division 7,

Lieutenant Joshua Brackett of Presumpscot, and His De-
scendants, ....... 227

Division 8.
John Brackett of Berwick, and His Descendants, . . 253

Division 9.
Isaac Brackett of Berwick, and His Descendants, . . 2^ >^

Division 10. i

Samuel Brackett of Berwick, and His Descendants, . . 29j ^

Division 11. |

Deacon James Brackett of Berwick, and His Descendants, . 3l| 1

i

Division 12.
Joshua Brackett of Acton, Me., and His Descendants, . 3-1

:5

Division 13. I

Captain Jolm Brackett of Greenland, and His Descendants, 3P^

CONTENTS XV

PAGE

Division 14.
Samuel Brackett of New Market, and His Descendants, . 384

Division 15.
Anthom^ Brackett of Falmouth, and His Descendants, . 410

Division 16.
James Brackett, the Peacemaker, and His Descendants, . 436

/ Division 17.

Captain Nathaniel Brackett of Greenland, and His De-
scendants, 477

Division 18.
Ebenezer Brackett of Dedham, and His Descendants, . 485

Division 19.
John Brackett of Dedham, and His Descendants, . . 519

Division 20.
Joseph Brackett of Braintree, and His Descendants, . . 526

Division 21.
Nathan Brackett of Braintree, and His Descendants, . . 535

Appendix .......... 581

Index 587

INTRODUCTION.

THE PREPARATION of the Brackett Genealogy has been in
course for over fifty years. One person essayed to compile the
genealogy of a branch of the family whose progenitor was the
compiler's great-grandfather; another, in addition to such a task,
attempted to give a brief account of the immigrant forefathers.
Many have worked along different lines, each gathered data and
recorded it which, but for their forethought, would have been lost.
All these several collections have been utilized in compiling this
volume; the great assistance they have afforded the writer can hard-
ly be estimated.

The busy mind and pen of Mr. Adino Nye Brackett as early as
1840, were employed in the writing of an account of the lives of some
of his ancestors, and a genealog}' of the brahch of the family, hi
wdiich his grandfather was the progenitor. He was born in 1777,
in Greenland, perhaps within ten miles from where Anthony, the
selectman, lived and died; he lived there or near there, until he reached
manhood, but Greenland had not been his home for over forty years
at the time he wrote; he was then living in Lancaster, N. H., and
was well advanced in years. He wrote from his recollections of
what had been told him, and, perhaps, had not recently visited the
scenes of his childhood to verify and add to his recollections. He
had talked with a man on the subject of the family history-, viz.: his
grandfather, who in turn had the opportunity to learn his ancestry in
America, from one, his father, Joshua Brackett of the third genera-
tion, who had seen and well remembered the immigrant.

Yet proof by oral or other tradition that Anthony, the selectman,
was the immigrant forefather of all the earh^ Maine and New Hamp-
shire Bracketts is not furnished by Adino Nye Brackett. However,
through a contemporar}- of his, this and other traditions are ours. A
Sarah Brackett, the wife of Elias Field of Phillips, Maine, was the
person. It was her pleasure to attentivel}' listen to the grandsire's
tales, and being blessed with a retentive memory and a sense of
their value, she faithfully repeated them to others. From the lips of
her father, Abraham Brackett, she heard the story of the good old
man who settled at "the Pascatawa," and of his courageous sons; of
the sacking and destruction of Falmouth; of the flight to Hampton;
and of the return to the old farm at Back Cove. She had no chil-
dren, but near her lived her brother James, who had a family. To
his children she told the traditions. One of his children born in
1 80 1, was named Nathaniel Mitton Brackett, named for his grand-
father's great-uncle. The fact is instanced as showing how faithful-
ly oral traditions were preserved in this branch of the family.

A Mr. Luther Brackett about i860 made quite extensive col-
lections of data relative to the descendants of his grandfather. The
writer had the benefit of his work, and it is pleasing to state that it

2 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

was found to have been performed with care and accuracy. Also in
the sixties, Mr. Jeffre}^ Richardson published the names of, and other
data pertaining to, about six hundred descendants of Captain
Richard Brackett of Braintree.

During the next thirt}^ years, though several persons made col-
lections of material with the designs probabl}^ of constructing a
genealogical tree limited to the descendants of their respective father
or grandfather, it is not known that au)^ person endeavored to write
an extensive historj^ of the family. However, in the decade begin-
ning with 1890, several persons commenced lines of work more
extensive in scope than had been theretofore attempted; each had a
design of his own and worked along lines independent of the others.
Ransom D. Brackett of Coldwater, Michigan, during a period of
about six years, conducted a fair-sized correspondence and made
quite far-reaching investigations. He suspended this pursuit for a
time with the intention of resuming it when he had the leisure so to
do. On Christmas day in 1902, he died while attending Cambridge
University. Through the kindness of his father, Mr. Albert E.
Brackett, the writer had the benefit of the labors of this talented
young man.

Two gentlemen. Judge F. M. Ray and Mr. L,. B. Chapman,
living in Portland, Me., about the year 1896, in their efforts to
preser^^e and publish facts of local historical value pertaining to
persons and events of whom they had a personal knowledge, made
easy of access many matters of interest relative to Bracketts who had
lived in Portland and its vicinity. Family records, abstracts from
ancient deeds and the recollections and statements of aged persons
of the name, were published in the local papers. Copies of their
articles were furnished the writer. From Mr. Chapman were also
received many clippings and original notes, the product of his
research in musty records and papers, the jottings of conversations
and memoranda of his own recollections.

During the same 3'ear, perhaps at an earlier date, Mr. Alpheus
ly. Brackett of Everett, Mass., commenced collecting data and mak-
ing researches to a greater extent than any person had done. Asso-
ciated with him as a helper was Mr. Nathan Goold of Portland.
The records of Berwick, Me., were made to yield their hidden treas-
ure; all publications pertaining to the Portsmouth Bracketts were
carefully searched and the collections of Messrs. Ra^^ and Chapman
were carefully collated. The result was a new publication, a most
valuable series of charts in design, appearing in the form of leaflets.
These Mr. A. E. Brackett distributed gratuitously, and copies can
now be found in most large libraries. He carried his preparations
much further towards a still larger publication, collected a large
amount of both genealogical and historical data at a considerable
expense, when, because of other matters requiring all his attention,
he was unable to carr}^ out his original design. In the year 1900 he
placed all his manuscripts and other material at the disposal of the
writer.

Mrs. Grace Brackett Scott of Newmarket, N. H., has lent her
aid to quite every person who has attempted the compiling of the
family histor5\ Favorably gifted and ardentlj' inclined for research,
and living quite all her life in the field the most promising of results,

INTRODUCTION 3

from her childhood daj^s she has improved her opportunities to
marked advantage and is well equipped with reliable information as
to the history of the famil}^ in New Hampshire from the period of the
coming of the immigrant. The writer is indebted to her for data of
quite all kinds, not only a copy of her well kept notes, but also of
correspondence, for tradition, for story, for interviews with those
who would not answer a letter, for the searching of records, for trips
for discovery of sources of information, and for viewing premises to
be written about. No request that was made did she fail to respond
to; many a page in this volume is due to her untiring efforts, and
unstinted praise she is deserving of.

The many correspondents of the writer have done quite all that
was asked of them, and through their doing those things the work
has been completed.

Mention should be made of others who have rendered the writer
most valuable assistance, viz.: Mr. A. R. Stubbs, Hbrarian of the
Maine Genealogical Society, Mr. Frank V. Loring of Phoenix, Ari-
zona, Mrs. Marcia F. Hilton of East Andover, N. H., and Mrs. J.
M. Hilton of Belmont, Mass. The three last named are genealogists
who appreciate a favor and return two for one received. The writer
acknowledges that he can never hope to make paj^ment in kind for
their services to him.

The writer, in the fall of 1897, set out to compile a history of the
Brackett familj' in America. Among the. many genealogies in the
lyibrary of Congress there was not one which contained mention of
his Brackett ancestry.

A review of New England local histories disclosed that Bracketts
were among the first settlers of Boston and Braintree, Mass.; Ports-
mouth, N. H., and Portland, Maine; also that they had serv-ed in
the Indian and colonial wars. Whatever may be said to portray the
fierceness of conflicts with the Indians in any part of our country,
nowhere else than in Maine was it true that for many years the
Indians were victorious; there the Whites returned to their homes as
suppliants. From the commencement of King Philip's war to the
fall of Quebec, there were over forty years of warfare for the people
of Maine and New Hampshire. At no point was the conflict hotter,
nowhere did the contending parties meet oftener and battle longer,
with such varying success on both sides, as at Falmouth. During
these bloody struggles, in the front ranks, in command at the most
crucial places and times were men of our name. The}^ did their
duty, sacrificed their lives,

"Fought like brave men long and well,"
as did their comrades in arms, and are as desennng of having the
story of their lives told to their descendants, as were any of their day.

The thought occurred that to genealogical data,, it would not be
amiss, if were added accounts of the lives of our early ancestors in
America in compiling the family history. Such accounts appear in
the work. It is hoped that some measure of justice has been meted
out to those deserving men whom oblivion was fast claiming. Should
the recounting of their deeds make your pulse to quicken and your
eyes to brighten, imagine, if you can, the quickness of the pulse and
the brightness of the eye of your ancestor when a boy as he listened
to his grandsire's tales of these very deeds, and wonder how it was
that in your line some one failed to pass down those tales.

4 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

Faithful work has been performed to correctly trace the lineage
of all of the name mentioned in this volume; however, in a few
instances, lineage is based only on probability, and in one or two
instances, on conjecture; in those instances the probabilities and
conjectures are stated at length in their proper connection.

It has not been learned from what part of Great Britain,
Anthon}^ the selectman, came to America. It has been written of
him, with little or no authoritj', that he was a Welshman; again that
he was a Scotchman. He probably was an Englishman. It is quite
generall}" claimed and svipposed that he was closeh^ related to the
Bracketts who settled in Boston; it is perhaps true that the relation-
ship was so near that they of that day could trace it, but it is not
thought that it was so close as first cousins. The name Richard
even to this 'day occurs but once among the Brackett descendants
of Anthonj^ and that in comparativel}^ recent 3'ears. The name
Anthony does not occur among the Brackett descendants of Richard.
However, as one was an Episcopalian and the other a Puritan it can
properly be inferred that the}' were not on friendly terms. There is
nothing to show or to warrant the belief that Anthony and Richard
were closely related. There is a tradition among the descendants of
Richard that three brothers b}' the name of Brackett were among the
earliest immigrants to Massachusetts and the first of the name to
settle in America. It required no great stretch of imagination to say
that the number of the brothers was four, and it has been so pub-
lished. The writer has never heard anything to confirm such publi-
cation. (See further as to tradition of the three brothers in chapter
on life of Captain Richard). The fourth brother was stated to be
Anthony, and among the others one was John who settled in New
Haven, Conn. The latter was not a Brackett; he was a Brockett.

A coat of arms, if the famil}' ever had one, would serve to dis-
close where in England it had its residence. Many of the descend-
ants of James Brackett, the peacemaker (son of Joshua, son of
Thomas, son of Anthony'), have in their possession illustrations of a
coat of arms which some of them contend is the real coat of arms of
the family. It is understood b}- the writer, though he does not
affirm it as a fact, that in 1805 a James Brackett brought from Eng-
land to America, the first illustration of this coat of arms and claimed
it was the coat of arms of the Bracketts. It is not known that an
illustration of said coat was possessed by an}' Brackett in x^merica
prior to his da}'; in fact the early Maine Bracketts, so far as has
been learned, never had an}' knowledge or traditions of a coat of arms
of the family. The coat of arms referred to, is the coat of arms of
the Brockett family. There is some difference in the illustrations pos-
sessed by the Brocketts and those possessed by the descendants of
James Brackett, in the particulars of the position of the stag, and
also in the name appearing in these illustrations, it being Brockett or
Brackett according to its possessor. It is thought that these differ-
ences can be accounted for.

There are no more reasons for believing that the name Brackett
is a variation of the name Brockett than there is for believing that
the name Brackett is a variation of any other name ending in e-t-t as
Breckett or Brickett. There is no cited instance of a person by the
name of Brackett tracing his ancestry in the direct male line to a

INTRODUCTION 5

Brockett, nor vice versa. With the person the name is always
Brackett; there are instances of confusion in books and other publi-
cations where Brockett is made to appear Brackett. For instance,
in the publication of names of men from Connecticut who served in
the war of the revolution, it appears that ten persons by the name of
Brackett were in the service of that colony during said war. The
fact is that not a person by the name of Brackett was in its service;
all of the ten referred to in the publication were Brocketts and
undoubtedly so called themselves. Several other instances can be
cited and also a few where the name Brackett appears as Brockett.
All this, however, proves nothing relative to origin of the names.

The assumption that Brockett and Brackett refer to the same
family in England in comparatively recent times, has been pro-
ductive of references to men by the name of Brockett who attained
some distinction at times since the sixteenth century, to prove how
ancient the family is; hence we read —

"Among those w^ho held a place in Cambridge College as one of
its professors, w^as a man by the name of William Brockett (in many
instances deliberately changed to Brackett) an enlightened instruc-
tor and a Welshman."

Also is instanced a reference to a Brockett Castle as Brackett
Castle, near Strathaven, Scotland. The following settles all doubt
as to its correct name and to what was and is the castle:

"Rankin Manse, Strathaven, Scotland,"

April 24, 1906.
Herbert I. Brackett, Esq.,

Washington, U. S. A.

Dear Sir : — I was much interested by the receipt of your letter.
Castle Brockett is now the name of a farm. I have inter\aewed the
farmer and also his older brother who w^ere both brought up on the
farm when their father was tenant of it. The}- remember that in
their young days, that is about forty or fifty years ago, a small por-
tion of the walls of a ruined tower stood at a corner of the shedding ;
it was pulled down to make room for a new hay shed. It seems to
have been one of the mere rude square towers which are not uncom-
mon in the lowlands of Scotland and may have been occupied in
ancient days by some retainer of the Douglases who were all power-
ful in this district in the 14th, 15th and i6th centuries. But there is
no record of its old inhabitants or any thing connected with it.

I visited the proprietrix of the farm who lives not far off. She
inherited it and a neighboring farm from her father ; her maiden
name was Rowatt, and her family had possessed the land for nearly
two hundred years. Previous to that it was held by a family called
Allan, and before them by a family called Craig, who held it in cove-
nanting times, that is in the latter part of the 17th century. I have
not been able to trace the ownership any further back.

The origin of the name, Castle Brocket, I have not been able to
ascertain. The name Brocket has now disappeared from this par-
ish. In the neighboring parish of Eesmahagow there are one or two
people w^ho bear the name, but they cannot trace their descent fur-
ther back than a couple of generations. In that parish there is also
a farm called Brockets Brae. So there must have been Brockets

6 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

about at one time, though I have not been able to find any mention
of the name in the parish records * * * .

With good wishes.

Yours sincerel}^

T. M. Dey."

In the writer's letter to Dr. Dey, to which the foregoing is in
reply, nothing is contained about the Brocketts. It is clear that the
name Brackett is not known in those parts.

The writer has heard from different sources that near the boun-
dary between Scotland and England there were ancient gravestones
with the name Brackett inscribed upon them. Captain Horace W.
Brackett wrote, "it was in a grave-yard in North Umberland
county, England, at the mouth of the Tyne river near the Scottish
border * * * . It may be possible that the spelling was an 'o'."

In the chapter on the life of Captain Richard Brackett, there is
contained such data pertaining to Bracketts (not to Brocketts) and
tending to show in what part of England the family lived and what
position it occupied in the social scale one hundred years prior to
the settlement of America, as the writer has been able to collect.
Here it will be said that the writer is of the opinion that Anthony
Brackett came to America from the vicinity of Plymouth, England,
though he has nothing more on which to base it than that, from there
a considerable portion of the immigrants came, who settled in Ports-
mouth, N. H., quite all of whom were Episcopalians.

The Brackett Family Association at its annual meeting in 1904,
in Portland, voted its approval of the coat of arms, whose illustration
appears on the cover of this volume, as having been the one recog-
nized and claimed by the family in ancient times. A like illustra-
tion appears in the work of Mr. Jeffrey Richardson, published about
i860. He gives no account as to its origin, the significance of any
of the designs or as to how long illustrations of the coat of arms have
been in the family in America; nor can the writer give any account
as to these matters. The only reference made to it by Mr. Richardson
reads, "from the coat of arms it is supposed that he, (Captain Rich-
ard,) belonged to an agricultural family." Lemuel Brackett, the
grandfather of Mr. Richardson, was living in i860; he was born in
1780. It is ventured that if he knew when the original illustration
of the coat of arms was brought to America, or other particulars of
interest concerning it, he would have imparted them to Mr. Richard-
son. But, apparently, these matters were unknown in Lemuel
Brackett's day; so it is inferred that illustrations of this coat of arms
were in possession of the Braintree Bracketts from an early date.
Correspondence with the descendants of Lemuel Brackett yielded
little in the way of accounting for the advent in America of the first
illustration. Miss Anna C. Brackett, wrote:

"I can give you no information as to coat of arms. I know that
they had one at Quincy, but I fancy it was nonsense. I don't
believe we ever had a coat of arms."

Illustrations of this coat of arms have been in the family for
many years; they are not contained in any work on heraldry or
armorial bearings to which the writer has had access. It is not, like
the other, the coat of arms of another family. As it does not appear

INTRODUCTION 7

in anj^ work on heraldry, it is highl}^ probable that, if the family
centuries ago claimed this coat of arms, its right to it was never
established in anj^ court of heraldry. Our purpose, however, will be
served should it be proven that the family claimed it four or five or
more centuries ago, as from the fact would be disclosed the ancient
seat of the family. Unless it served this or some equally good pur-
poses, the writer would not concern himself whether or not the fam-
ily ever had a coat of arms or what was its coat of arms if it did
have one.

The name Brackett is not to-day a common one in England; it
occurs less than one-half dozen times in the directory of L,ondon.
One name there appearing is William Brackett, the head of the firm
of Brackett & Sons, auctioneers and estate agents of London and
Tunbridge Wells. In 1906 occurred the fiftieth anniversary of the
commencement of his business in Tunbridge Wells. He was born
in 1832, and is able to trace his line of descent from his great-
grandfather, born about 1730. He kindly answered the letter sent
him and made mention of a letter he had received in 1859 from a
Mr. William Brackett, a lawyer living in Chicago. He appears to
have an interest in the family history. With his letter came a copj^
of "" Tlic Kent and Sussex Couric?-,''' of its issue of August 17, 1906,
containing an article of one and one-half columns, on Mr. Brackett's
long and successful business career. The following is an item found
in its columns of "fashionable and personal" ijiews: "Lord Richard
Nevill has left Cowes and is on a visit to Brockett Hall, Hatfield."
The name "Brockett" or "Brocket" is frequently met with in
England.

One naturally has his concepts of the looks, figure and other traits
of a Brackett. A limited field of obser\^ation tends to confirm one in
his opinion in these particulars. Heredity comes through the mother
as well as the father. In truth, Bracketts are distinguished from all
other people by name only, and, in fact, we differ in our traits both
physical and mental, quite as widely as did our parents, and also as
did their respective fathers and mothers differ from one another.
And very naturally so. Representatives of widely separate branches
of the family will find hardly a trait common in one another to prove
a mutual ancestor, and will disagree as to what are the family traits
of person and character. Family resemblance perpetuates itself
along certain lines for generations, even presenting those peculiar
and interesting instances of atavism, and gradually dwindles in
remoter generations. But along other lines in which the same family
name is perpetuated, the looks and traits of a female ancestor are
most prominent, which, having continued for several generations,
are apt to be regarded as the true type and traits of the family.
Hence we have the cause of disagreement as to the type and traits
of the immigrant. If we could find any marked resemblance in
face, figure, temperament and other traits of several of the name who
are distantly related, we could perhaps correctly judge what were
those of the common ancestor. The fact is that we present all sorts
and conditions of men in figure, looks and all characteristics as we
do in business and in commercial standing, a few, perhaps, harking
back to some common ancestor of theirs of no remote degree, for a
resemblance in features, and differing in those traits and all other
prominent traits from their other namesakes.

8 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

To what extent the idea will possess a person, particular!}- one
who has dwelt a life time in a locality, which for generations has
been the home of a famil}^ that there are predominating traits,
mental and phj-sical, common to its members, is shown b}^ the follow-
ing interesting letter written in the seventies to Walter Folger
Brackett b}- his great aunt, Mrs. Marston.

"I am in solemn earnest when I sa}^ to you that I truly feel and
believe that in our Brackett ancestry we have a noble, a grand
inheritance, as a race. The}^ were men of the sternest stuff; erect in
soul; firm on the basis of a good conscience, regardless of public opinion
honest, proverbiall}- so; rough, exteriorly, with no great refinement
of feeling; not keen nor shrewd in matters of intelligence or taste.
But the}- had in themselves and have given to posterit)- a firm basis of
bone and sinew of character. The name may not give it, for the
mixture with other streams may, in man)' instances, almost obliterate
it, but it will crop out again with less and less force for several
generations, yet. You. 3'ourself, are a marked Brackett, and I feel that
I am flattering you when I say it. I hope you believe what I say.
In the record * * * Samuel Brackett, 3d (Samuel, son of Samuel,
son of Samuel, son of Thomas, son of Anthony,) was my grand-
father, your father's great-grandfather * * * . His son Samuel
* * was the man who built this stone house and all the stone walls
around us, and j-ou will see how old he lived to be. Notice how
they all cling to the name of Samuel, and how not one record tells
who their wives were; the}' were to be reckoned Bracketts, no more.
As I have lain here in bed lately, I have wished that all these people
mentioned in this record could stand here before me in the costumes
of their times, and that I could hear their voices. I have seen quite
a number of them and can recall man}' peculiarities. Ask Linnie to
tell you about the life, death and funeral of my cousin Nat, known
as the 'Blue Bird,' the oldest son of Nathaniel Brackett, my uncle in
Lyman * * * . I do not expect to do much in this world, but I
hope to be willing and able to work on the other side."

The Mr. Brackett to whom the letter was addressed, stated that
all he could learn of "Nathaniel, the eccentric," was that he always
dressed in a blue surtout coat with bows and a rough beaver hat;
wore the same coat for twenty years, hence the name "Blue Bird."
Said Mr. Brackett related the following:

"There was a Polly Brackett a few years ago, who was engaged
to be married but for some reason the engagement was broken; she
was making an elegant wedding dress, stopped instantly, stuck the
needle into the dress, folded and put it away. She never married.
I am told the dress is still in existence with the needle just as she
left it."

The plan for the arrangement of names of persons in the order
and generations of their descent from the immigrant ancestors may
need some explanation. The chapters are devoted to accounts of
early ancestors. Their descendants are grouped into twenty-one
divisions by families in the order of generations; references by pum-
bers from one family to another in the several collateral lines are
made. A reference to the index gives one the page on Avhich a name
of a person occurs contained in an account of him or of an ancestor
of his.

INTRODUCTION 9

A progenitor's descendants as they appear in a family as
arranged, are thus indicated: Children iDy cardinal, grandchildren
by ordinal, and great-grandchildren by roman numerals; italic let-
ters are employed to indicate his great-great-grandchildren and small
letters his descendants of the next remote degree. The maiden
name of a wife is given in full followed by the statement whose
daughter she was when known, and also is given her ancestry as far
back as has been learned.

The scope of this genealogy is intended to include the descend-
ants of Anthou}' Brackett of Portsmouth, N. H., and Richard
Brackett of Braintree, Mass., in direct male lines, and in allied
families to the third generation; this has not been perfected. There
are many descendants whose names do not appear; for one reason
and another efforts have not been successful nor do they give prom-
ise of success in the near future of learning the ancestry of such
descendants. In addition to genealogical data will be found accounts
of the lives of many of our name. If the work meets with the expec-
tation of the readers the compiler will have good reason to be satis-
fied with it.

Washington, D. C, Sept. 25, 1906.

CHAPTER I.

GEORGE CLEEVE, THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT
OF THE PROVINCE OF LIGONIA.

[Thomas and Anthony Brackett, sons of the immigrant, Anthony of Ports-
mouth, married granddaughters of George Cleeve. He was born at an earlier
date than any of our common ancestors of whom we know; it was through him
that our early forefathers in America acquired title to those large estates which
they possessed. This man, George Cleeve, therefore, is entitled to prominent
notice in our genealog}'. However, too many historians, genealogists and biog-
raphers have gone out of their way to blacken his name, to permit only a
passing notice in this work of his life. Some, because they cared but little to
know the truth, others, to whiten the characters of the subjects of their pens,
have written ill of him. His defense requires but little condemning of his oppo-
nents. Of his virtues there is written; and the}' compare so favorably with those
of the subjects of praise of persons who conceived that their duty in praising
was to condemn George Cleeve, that the reader can but wonder that it was
necessary to make any defense at all for him. The truth required no defense;
but for that which is false that has been written concerning him, no defense
would be offered. — The Author.]

One of the two earliest permanent settlers upon the mainland with-
in the present limits of Portland, Me., was George Cleeve (often writ-
ten Cleeves). He came from Plymouth, England, first established
himself at the mouth of the Spurwink river, in Cape Elizabeth, Me.,
as early as 1630, and was associated in business with a Mr. Richard
Tucker, who, it appears, preceded Cleeve as a settler there. The
land on which they located was contained in a grant under date of
December i, 1631, by the Ph^mouth, or Northern Companj-, to Mr.
Robert Trelawney, of quite all of Cape Elizabeth, and a Mr. John
Winter, acting as his agent, in the year 1632, ejected them.

Cleeve set up title to two thousand acres of land, including the
premises at the mouth of the Spurwink, by virtue of a promise for
that amount of land by Sir Ferdinando Gorges, made to him before
his departure from England, as a consideration for his coming to
New England to dwell. Tucker also claimed an estate in the land
in question by purchase from one, Richard Bradshaw, and had been
placed in possession of the land by Captain Walter Neal. The lat-
ter was sent to New England by Gorges and Mason as governor of
their colony at Portsmouth, N. H. It was also Neal in said capac-
ity, to whom Winter resorted to oust Cleeve and Tucker from their
improvements at the mouth of the Spurwink. They had constructed
a house there and had prepared for cultivation from two to four acres
of land about it.

On Richmond island, directly opposite and near to the mouth of
the Spurwink, Mr. Winter located. As the agent for Trelawney he
superintended the several industries in which the latter engaged,
lumbering, fishing, trading with the Indians, ship-building and other
lines. There were upwards of sixty men employed at the place
for many years. Much of the correspondence between Messrs.

GEORGE CLEEVE 11

Trelawney and Winter is extant, has been published and is known
as "The Trelawney Papers." Said valuable publication is one of
the chief sources of information for this article.

Under date of June i8, 1634, Winter wrote Trelawney:

"At the maine we have built no house, but our men lives in the
house that the ould Cleves built, but that we have fitted him some-
what better and we have built a house for our pigs. We have paled
into the maine a pece of ground for to set corne in, about four or five
akers as near as we can judge, of pales 6 fote high, except the pales
that the ould Cleeve did sett up which is but 4 foote & >^ ; he had
paled of it about an aker and % before we came their & now it is all
sett with corne and pumkins."

Upon being ousted from their place of settlement on the Spur-
wink, Cleeve and Tucker located iipon what was afterwards known
as the Neck, now the site of the business portion of the present city
of Portland, Maine. It is a tongue of land about three miles long
and three-fourths of a mile wide; it lies between Casco (now Fore)
river which is much like an arm of the sea, and a part of Casco bay
known as Back cove; there is a gradual sloping of land from slight
elevations at its base and point. From its southern side along Casco
river, at its central portion, the rise is quite gradual to the top of the
ridge which traversed its length; on the northerly side of the ridge
it was more precipitate. It was on the southerly side of this tongue
of land at a point nearly two-thirds the way to its end, near to where
flowed a runnet of water, which continued to flow until recent j^ears,
near to the present corner of Hancock and Fore streets, where stood
the house of the right worth}' and valiant George Cleeve. The
Indian name for the land was Machigonne — a bad camp.

Cleeve stated that his title to the tract on the Neck which he
claimed, was by virtue of a royal proclamation of King James giving
to every subject of his who would transport himself to the English
colonies in America, one hundred fifty acres of land and the same
amount in addition for every other such person thus transported at
his own expense.

The man who long relied for pounds, shillings, pence or even
for acres of wilderness in America upon a promise of the goggle^
eyed, rickety James, Rex, "of blessed memory," like the man who
built upon the sand, would come to grief. Cleeve propped a title to
a tract on the Neck with the promise of James, until there opened a
prospect for acquiring a possibly better title to it and more from
another source. The fact is that the royal promise of James for one
hundred fifty acres, had served Cleeve better than had the knightly
promise of Sir Ferdinando Gorges for two thousand acres. In the
case of the latter it was not in his power at the time to bestow what he
had promised, and because of this want of power it probably was that
Cleeve did not, upon being ousted from the tract on the Spurwink,
select elsewhere another tract of two thousand acres under his war-
rant from Sir Ferdinando. However this may be, the knight in the
spring of the year 1635, was granted the territory which he erected
into his province of New Somosetshire which included the territory
of the present state of Maine along the coast, from its western
boundary to the Kennebec river. Cleeve was in a position to ask
for and Sir Ferdinando now had the right to give him, a deed to two
thousand or more acres of land.

12 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

Cleeve and Tucker were busy men during those j^ears beginning
with 1632. The temporary house erected by the voyager, Christopher
lycverett, some years before on an island in the bay, probably was
their shelter for the time being; the following year they erected the
first building on the Neck constructed there b}' white men. The
unbroken forest to the water's, edge had to be subdued, so much
thereof as would serve their purposes, and its products furnished
them with material for houses and other buildings such as they
needed for their enterprises, trading with the Indians, fishing, and
perhaps manufacturing lumber and pipe staves. Thus the two men
were engaged for several years. With the year 1636 their troubles
commenced which required the presence of Cleeve in England for a
time. Prior to that 5^ear the government of the planters had been
little more than an agreement among themselves for conserving the
peace. But in the year 1636, the sovereignty of his province was
assumed by Sir Ferdinando and he set up a government for the
ordering of the people. A court was instituted for the trial of civil
actions and other matters. Sir Ferdinando had never been granted
by the crown the sovereignty of the province, hence the government
he instituted was without authority. His commissioners were large
land owners of the province, Episcopalians, and quite all enemies of
Cleeve. They appear to have considered themselves vested with
genuine authority from some source and proceeded to worry and
harry Cleeve. He on his part never recognized the government.
The man who is charged with being litigious, never brought an
action in the court nor answered a writ or summons it issued to him.
At the March term of the court he was sued on account and judg-
ment was rendered against him; at its September term execution
issued to lev}' on his property. Nothing came thereof. Subse-
quently when courts were legally established in the province, the
matter in difference between Cleeve and the plaintiff, was left to
arbitrators who found a balance due the plaintiff, which Cleeve
undoubtedly paid. Also at the March term Cleeve was fined five
pounds for "rash speeches." He, perhaps, had unhesitatingly pro-
nounced the gentlemen composing the court to be without valid
authority to their pretension, and in turn they had deemed his
speech to be "rash." The word, brash, would serve fully as well for
any legal significance that is conveyed. Right crude was English
law in those days. The September term of this court was its last;
there is no record of the exercise by it of any functions at a later
date. Seemingly it could not survive Cleeve's contempt for it, and,
possibly, that fine was either remitted or remained unpaid.

Trelawney, too, was extending his possessions towards the Neck
in that eventful year of 1636. Sir Ferdinando granted him land
extending along the coast from the easterlj' boundary of his former
grant, to the river Casco. In suits with Cleeve, both Trelawney and
the Reverend Robert Jordan, Winter's son-in-law, claimed that the
river Casco was the river Presumpscot, which latter river is several
miles northeasterl}' from the river Casco, with the Neck between
them.

Notwithstanding that the grant of land to Trelawne}' by Sir
Ferdinando laj?^ between Trelawne^^'s grant from the Ph'mouth Com-
pany and Casco river, which ever river it was, the contention of both

GEORGE CLEEVE 13

Trelawney and Jordan was, that the Neck was included in the grant
from the Plymouth Company to Trelawney. In May, of the year
1636, Winter returned from England, and with him came the news
of Trelawney's purchase from Sir Ferdinando. It stood Cleeve well
in hand to inquire as to the limits of Trelawney's grants unless he
wished to become a tenant to Trelawney. At the time Cleeve was
ousted from the house on the Spurwink river. Winter remarked to
him by the way of solace for the loss of his improvements, — and
took great credit to himself for the quantity of milk of human kind-
ness he must contain in so remarking — that he could become a
tenant to Trelawney elsewhere; thereby meaning that Cleeve could
go to some other locality in Trelawney's grant and settle. Cleeve
answered that he would be "tenant to never a man in New England,"
so Winter wrote; which reply must have wounded the man of so
much kindness, seeing he took the pains to record Cleeve 's exact
words.

There were other matters to take the ould Cleeve across the sea.
The year is not known when he brought his wife and family to
America. Prudent man that he was, he would not bring his wife
and only child to a wilderness for their home until he had found a
suitable place to dwell, had secured an estate and built a house. He
had found a desirable locality — none better along the entire coast,
and had taken possession of a tract of land there; the house he had
erected would serve immediate purposes. Now to England, for the
purchase of more land, for wife and daughter and to settle accounts
with some pretentious gentlemen who, while acting as judges, had
been harrying him.

The time of his departure was in August or later; he com-
menced his return trip in March, 1637. During his short stay in
England he had but little time to wile away. The one with whom
he chiefly had business to do was Gorges. Sir Ferdinando was
hasty to bestow his confidence on and withdraw it from, another,
was apt to listen too attentively to the last petitioner in his
presence, and to forget what others had said who had gone before.
That Cleeve deceived him there is no reason to believe; that by
his address and discourse he fairly captured him, is not doubted.
The tact and resources of the man can be fully estimated, when
are recalled the powerful opposition he had to encounter and the
difficulties consequent thereon under which he labored to secure
a hearing of his cause and due consideration of his plans. Winter
was constantly nagging at him, had lately been in England
retailing a long list of the causes of complaints he had suffered at
his hands. Trelawnej^ was at all times in England to berate and
slander him. In addition, from Gorges' province there came one
continuous growl from Richard Vines of Saco, Edmund Godfre}- of
York, and others. The source of this concord of opposition to
Cleeve on the part of the principal planters, may have been their
unity of opinion in matters pertaining to religion and politics; their
views upon these subjects did not accord with Cleeve 's but harmon-
ized with the views of Gorges upon them. Said persons were by dint
of dinning, by letters and other means, seeking to further their own.)
ends at the expense of Cleeve's standing as a man among his fellow-
planters. What influence did this man possess which caused him to

14 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

be dreaded so badlj-? Was it that he possessed the confidence of
John Winthrop, then governor of the colony of Massachusetts Bay,
and of other dignitaries of that colony? Was it that he was pros-
pering on the Neck? It is hazarded that such was the case; that
Cleeve had, upon presenting himself to Gorges, letters of recommen-
dation from men in the Bay colony who commanded the knight's
respect. Once in his presence and prejudice aside, the way was clear
for the masterful George Cleeve. Yet the j^ear of 1636 was one of
terrific political strife and turmoil on questions which the knight and
gentlemen radically differed; friction there was too between warring
factions, which did not escape the keen calculator as to how matters
would adjust themselves in the event that friction wore away king-
craft until what remained thereof would be supplanted by another
and a better craft.

However Cleeve did accomplish his ends, it cannot reasonably be
presumed that Sir Ferdinando had occasion to rely upon the repre-
sentations of Cleeve further than they were corroborated by facts
which he, himself, had knowledge of. It is noticeable that in 1637,
when he withdrew his support from Cleeve, that he charged Cleeve
onl}' with having been misinformed as to the progress of some meas-
ure in Parliament, perhaps a bill to authorize Sir Ferdinando to
establish a government in his province. When he wrote of Cleeve as
"being so unworth}' " he referred alone to his conduct in the strife
between him and the other planters, as to the merits of whose contro-
vers3' the opinion of no one person is decisive.

There will be enumerated the things which the ould Cleeve did
do, of which we know, however he may have succeeded in doing
them. From Sir Ferdinando for a consideration of one hundred
pounds, he secured a deed of land along the coast from the river
Casco to the river Presumpscot, including the Neck; well and good!
With Sir William Alexander he entered into articles of agreement
for the planting of lyong island in Casco ba)^ He also was granted
a protection under the privy seal for exploring lake Champlain and a
monopoly of trade in beaver about the lake. Quite a man of busi-
ness was this George Cleeve! As has been stated, there was no
legally constituted government in the province of New Somesetshire.
A plan was devised to receive the royal sanction, according to whose
terms commissioners were to be named, among whom was Cleeve, for
the governing of the province.

Cleeve had issued out of the court of Star Chamber, writs to
Winter, Thomas Purchas, Richard Vines and Edmund Godfrey, to
answer to his petitions presented against them. The association of
Purchas with Vines and Godfrey, warrants a surmise that the act
upon the part of each of the three of which Cleeve complained was,
respectively, his pretense of authority as a judge to distress Cleeve
by his writ. Purchas was one of the judges appointed bj' Sir
Ferdinando in 1636.

The procurement of these writs was not the only occasion that
Cleeve had to appear before that much dreaded court. He attended,
pursuant to its command, and gave his testimony in the presence of
the king to the integrity and loyalty of John Winthrop, to such pur-
pose, wrote the bigot, Cotton Mather, that "the king expressed
himself most highly pleased therewithal, only sorry that so worthy a

GEOR.GE CLEEVE 15

person should be no better accommodated than with the hardships of
America."

The contract of pecuniar}^ benefit to Cleeve which he made while
in England, was the purchase of the property mentioned, by far the
most valuable estate of any in the province. It is not known that
he took any steps in furtherance of the enterprises of Sir William
Alexander in the fur trade. Though not resulting in pecuniary ben-
efit, the assistance he had rendered his friend, John Winthrop, and the
Bay colony did not go unrewarded. Much did he, himself, stand
in need of the aid of friends during the year 1637, and the following
years. The news of his doings while in England raised a storm of
protest, and from every town in the province went forth an outcry
against Cleeve which was carried to the ear of the proprietor. The
Episcopalians living in the province were so maddened at the pros-
pect of being ruled by a commission of canting Independents that
it alone was a test of endurance. Trelawney took the lead and being
in the presence of the good natured knight, won his case. He went
so far as to accuse Cleeve of having shot his hogs. Winter had writ-
ten him that the savages or the wolves had killed some of the swine;
there was nothing more on which to base the accusation. Winter
was far too discreet to charge Cleeve with having committed an
offense, without proof. Trelawney was on Ihe other side of the
ocean and could safely risk the utterance of a slander or two to carry
his purpose. It was soon after Cleeve's departure for New England,
about the first of April, 1637, that 'I'relawney, in reply to a letter
which he had received from Sir Ferdinando, wrote him anything but
complimentary of Cleeve; he reviewed how tenderly he had been
when ousting Cleeve from the house at the mouth of the Spurwink,
who had willfully "sate down in another place and that in the
middle of the best of my patent;" then continues with that Cleeve
had killed his hogs, disturbed his plantation and had stirred up the
Indians against him to gain their trade. That virus-generating loss
of trade with the Indians so blinded the mayor of Plymouth that he
could not correctly read Winter's letters; that, or other cause so
blinded him, or else he told a whopper. The efforts of Trelawney to
disparage Cleeve in the estimation of Sir Ferdinando Gorges, were to
subserve his purposes and interests. Trelawney occupied a position
in the business world which enabled his unsupported word to carry
great weight. He was a member of Parliament, the ma^'or of Ply-
mouth, a merchant of wealth and a supporter of King Charles. The
times were fruitful of events which would operate to draw closely
together kindred spirits in support or defense of a common cause.
Hence, it is not surprising that Trelawney was successful in his
endeavors to supplant the favorable opinion which Sir F'erdinando
had of Cleeve.

In July, 1637, Cleeve went to Boston and unfolded to Winthrop
the plan of government v/hich Sir Ferdinando had approved for his
province. It provided for the supervision of civil affairs by commis-
sioners named by him of whom Cleeve was one, Winthrop was
another, and of the several others, nearly all were dignitaries of the
colony of Massachusetts Bay, and quite all of them Independents in
religion. One in particular was Sir Harry Vane, the identical Sir
Harry from whom Cromwell asked the Lord to deliver him. Gover-

16 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

nor Winthrop had no inclination to burden himself with the affairs
of roystering strong-headed Episcopalians, the most of whom he well
knew personally. He would not accept the commission. Under the
circumstances Cleeve could have had but little inclination to accept
an appointment, and the others named refused their consent to serve.
So the establishment of a provincial government was again postponed.
In fact, in 1637, Sir Ferdinando was not authorized to establish such
government.

The good opinion which Sir Ferdinando entertained of Cleeve,
was of short duration; Trelawney soon undermined it. After he had
once worked the change in the knight's mind respecting Cleeve, it
was confirmed and fortified by the planters in the province, writing to
him their complaints of and objections against Cleeve. In a letter
written in August, 1637, to Winthrop, Vane and others named with
Cleeve to act as commissioners for governing the province. Sir Ferdi-
nando begs their pardon for having associated Cleeve with them in
said capacity, he "being soe unworthy." He mentions as the source
of information of this unworthiness, several letters written by Vines
and others whereby he became informed how Cleeve had misrepre-
sented their conduct towards him. It is quite apparent that the per-
son to whom the knight last listened, was the one in whose favor he
decided to act. As no one accepted the appointment of commissioner
made by him, and he was without power to appoint commissioners,
Sir Ferdinando could well have waited to learn whether or not the
gentlemen addressed were in any way huffed by having been associ-
ated with Cleeve in the capacity mentioned. In the letter, Sir
Ferdinando authorized those to whom it was addressed to investigate
Cleeve's conduct towards the other planters. Trelawne}' had done
his work well indeed! The result of this direction for an investiga-
tion, if anything, was not detrimental to Cleeve. He continued to
remain on intimate terms with Winthrop, which is evidence that
nothing developed to hurt him in that good man's estimation. It is
quite probable that no investigation was entered upon in the matter.
Cleeve did not screen from publicity acts of his of interest to the peo-
ple. He never had an5^thing to fear from the truth becoming known
as to what he said or did. A contest with him ever meant legal pro-
ceedings or arbitration. Nothing serv^ed his purposes better than to
bring a matter in dispute to an issue. He certainly would have
approval of an investigation of his acts by a committee composed of
the parties named, and would have enjoyed bouts with his accusers
before them.

The extant records fail to disclose the cause of the enmity and
opposition to Cleeve on the part of the several large landowners in
Maine. Certain it is that it was not because of an}' personal rela-
tions or from association as neighbors, for his opponents dwelt all
along the coast; Godfrey at York; Vines at Saco; Cammack and
Jocelj-n at Black Point; Winter and Jordan at the mouth of the Spur-
wink; the two latter were the nearest to Cleeve and the^^ were ten
miles from him. Their opposition against him perhaps grew out of
their differing from him in religion and politics, and through their
prejudice in these matters were easily martialed b)' Winter, as
Trelawney 's agent, to serve the latter's ends. Grave indeed must
have been the charges against them and strong the proof to sustain

GEORGE CLEEVE 17

the charges, when Sir Ferdinando became so far convinced as to
their truth as to act in the premises and proceed to organize a new-
government composed of the canting Independents of the Bay
colony and George Cleeve as commissioners, and exclude from
having any share, quite all of the Episcopalians of his own prov-
ince. It will be remembered that this was done but shortly after
his commissioners, under the recently defunct government, had fined
Cleeve for making "rash speeches." Clearly there was political
contention of a serious nature among the planters, Cleeve standing
single-handed against the others banded together by religious and
political ties. Yet this lone Independent goes to England and, in the
face of the united efforts of the Episcopalian lights of the province,
procures from their Episcopalian proprietor, so far as he is able to
give, a commission for a government in which he is named a commis-
sioner and the}^ are ignored. Hence, the growl in unison from every
town in the province.

Against the united protest and charges of the planters no defense
was allowed Cleeve by Sir Ferdinando. The good knight was prone
to listen to Trelawne^^ the loyalist M. P., as againstCleeve, the round-
head. Little is known of Cleeve during the year 1638. At all times
he was actively engaged in his different business enterprises, was
alert to his interests and thoroughly conversant with the trend
of political affairs. The loss he had sustained in the friendship of
the proprietor not onl}^ grieved him ^but also made uncertain what
his future course would be. The loss of favor meant the loss of
patronage.

In 1639, the king conferred upon Sir Ferdinando the right to
establish a government in his province; he was given quite dicta-
torial powers in the matter. He proceeded to set in operation his
plan of government and to appoint the officers whose duties were
therein set forth. The name of the province was changed to Maine.
Cleeve was not recognized, was not appointed to an}- office. The
legislative and judicial powers were conferred upon commissioners of
whom there were several. The establishment of a legal tribunal in
the province was one thing which Cleeve had much desired for many
years. The commissioners held their first term of court in March,
1640. Cleeve promptly commenced actions against Winter to recov-
er the value of the improvements he and Tucker had made at the
mouth of the Spurwink, and for disturbing his possessions on the
Neck; that is for claiming that the Neck was within Trelawney's
grant. In each action judgment was rendered at the September
term of the court, in favor of Cleeve. The damages in the first men-
tioned suit were assessed at eighty pounds. Though a majority of
the commissioners were unfriendly to Cleeve the chief commissioner
or deputy governor, Thomas Gorges, a kinsman of Sir Ferdinando,
was a man of probity and learned in the law for his day. He had
been selected by the proprietor to install the new government.
While he remained in the province and was permitted to decide suits
at law in accordance with the facts and legal principles, the large
interests of Cleeve were secured to him. That he and the other
commissioners thought well of Cleeve as a citizen, had confidence in
his principles and entertained a high estimate of his capabilities, are
shown by the fact that although he was one of the chief litigants
before the court, he was appointed foreman of the grand jury.

18 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

The ould Cleeve did not let slip anj^ opportunity to collect his
judgment against Winter who strenuously endeavored to avoid mak-
ing pa5'ment. With thirty men the marshal of the province strove to
make a seizure of property at the mouth of the Spurwink and on
Richmond island. However, the attempt was without success. Win-
ter's men were too strong for the marshal's force. Exciting time
that must have been ! Winter was harassed in various other ways,
so he wrote Trelawney. Also, Winter wrote that if the damages
were paid to Cleeve, "heare ar divers which ar Cleeve's creditors
that gape for this mone}- & I know not how it will be gotten back
again beinge he is so much in debt."

A ludicrous figure a man cuts, when, while hiding from an ofl&cer
of the law to evade the collection of a debt by recover}^ upon judg-
ment, he worries about the debts which his judgment creditor owes.
Under the conditions, Winter could well consider the payment of
debts which he himself owed. There was no person w^ho, as creditor,
was pressing Cleeve at the time, or at any other time, on accounts
which he did not dispute as to his liability for the amount claimed.
There has been noted the one suit that was ever brought against him
on account, where he did not have a good offset. Winter's attorney,
Edward Godfrey, went to England to appear in the suits against
himself, Purchas and Vines, brought by Cleeve in the Star Chamber
court and, in the suit brought against him, secured a judgment
against Cleeve for twenty pounds costs. The record of the court of
the province shows that at its September term in the year 1640, there
was considered the question whether this judgment could be col-
lected by any proceedings based thereon in said court. Cleeve
contended that there was no power to make levy in New England on
a judgment of the Star Chamber court; that he would answer from
whence the writ was issued. Vines, the future deputy governor,
much concerned himself about those twenty pounds and wrote
Winthrop to know whether collection could be made b}^ levy under
execution issuing out of the local court. More yet a while about
those twent}' pounds. If there were other creditors pressing Cleeve
the records do not show it.

Winter, under date of October 7, 1640, wrote Trelawney without
mincing matters, that the marshal in attempts to make levy under
the execution, was prevented from so doing by force; "But our men
forced them away," is the language then employed. Again under
date of October 19, less than two weeks later, he wrote in an entirely
different strain ; that while going in a boat to a ship in Casco bay to
deliver letters to be carried to England, he was arrested on a war-
rant, issued by the commissioners, for having resisted by force the
attempts by the marshal to make levy under the execution; that no
force was used to prevent the levy — the men doing nothing more
than putting up a show of fight and bluffing. In the first letter,
Winter wrote the facts with a view to the approval of his conduct by
Trelawney. When he wrote the second letter, he was conscious
under the grip of the law what was the legal purport of the facts and,
therefore, denied them. It was said of Winter that he was a discreet
man; such discretion as he showed on this occasion was at the
expense of his compunction in misrepresenting the truth, which was
small indeed.

GEORGE CLEEVE 19

In the same letter Winter wrote that when he was arrested
in Casco ba)^ in order to secure his release, he was compelled to give
bond for his appearance in court; that he dare not meet the marshal,
any of his deputies or an}- of the constables, as all had some writ to
harry him with, so persistent was the ould Cleeve. That Winter
had reason to be on the lookout for officers of the law is certain; in
February, 1641, he was compelled to go to Boston for carpenters and
on his return trip was forced to put into the harbor at York where
resided Thomas Gorges, the chief commissioner. He was arrested
brought before the chief commissioner, and, as he wrote Trelawney'
"bound in a band" of one hundred pounds with a surety, to appear
at the next general term of the court at Saco. It appears that it
took two "bands" to hold Winter.

When the court did meet at Saco, the chief commissioner was
very wroth on Winter for his temerity in defying the officers with a
show of force, and threatened to make short work with the plantation
at the mouth of the Spurwink, in case of more opposition of the kind.
The costs of the marshal were required forthwith in the sum of thirty
pounds and were furnished to the value in beaver skins. Truly the
ould Cleeve was making a very good use of the newly established
government, was making Trelawney 's superiirtendent feel the strong
arm of the law.

While the suits brought by Cleeve at most would result as to
Winter only in annoying him, the outcome of the one for disturbing
his possessions on the Neck, if the judgment of the court was per-
mitted to stand, was fatal to the pretension of Trelawney that the
Neck was included in his patent. It will be seen that Trelawney
did not propose to abide by the decision of the tribunal established
b}' Sir Ferdinando in his province; that the latter allowed himself to
be influenced by the representations of Trelawne}', M. P.; and that,
kinglike, by the might of his will alone, regardless of the merits of
the controversy, he would cause to be rendered such judgment
against Cleeve as would please his powerful opponent. Such was
the justice which Cleeve would receive if the genius of the man did
not rise to the emergency. It will be of interest to the descendants
of Cleeve to know the truth concerning the matter wherein he has
been charged with treachery to his benefactor; also in justice to the
memory of Portland's first settler the truth should be written, for
what is false has been published for more than a century.

There was no right of appeal to higher authority from a decision
of the commissioners of the province. The judgment which they
rendered in favor of Cleeve, in the case involving the title to land on
the Neck, was final. However, as in England, proceedings for the
settlement of title to land admitted an appeal from a trial court to
one of greater jurisdiction, in instances to the House of Lords, the
proposition was broached in 1641 at the June term of the court held
at Saco, that the matters in dispute between the litigants be left to a
board of arbitration of five members. Seemingly, the purpose was
for the board to serve as a tribunal to review the proceedings, in the
manner of an appellate court. Bonds were to be given to abide by
its decision. The proposition was agreed to. When a man has won
his cause; when wi.at he claims has been established to be his by
law, is in his pc3session; and, of his own volition, he submits his title

20 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

to be passed upon anew and binds himself to abide the result, he
stakes everything upon the justice of his cause. His opponent risks
nothing. Such respective!}' were the chances of Messrs. Cleeve and
Trelawney before the arbitrators. The board decided in favor of
Cleeve on every point with the single exception of the amount of
damages which was reduced from eighty to sixty pounds.

Not for one minute was there an intention on the part of
Trelawney to abide b}' the arbitration. Shortly after the adjovirn-
ment of the court, arrived letters under date of June 29, 1641, from
Trelawney to Winter and also letters from Sir Ferdinando to the
commissioners. A copy of one of the latter was enclosed in Trelaw-
ney's. To enable Winter to full}' understand its contents, Trelawney
wrote "he hath ordered that they (the commissioners) take more
care for the future, and in another speaks of his owne knowledge of
Casco river;" then Trelawney adds, "I hope they (the commis-
sioners) will leave you and all my tenantes in peace and eject Cleaves
on your new tryall from his dewellinge." This time they would be
prepared for trial; witnesses would be brought from England; the
"salvages" would be seen and from them would be learned which
stream they called Casco river. Winter was cautioned to have a care
lest Cleeve should corrupt the savages; thus wrote honest Trelawney
of the Long Parliament.

In May, 1642, Winter wrote Trelawney that Thomas Gorges, the
chief commissioner, refused to reopen the case until he heard fur-
ther from Sir Ferdinando. That the worthier Gorges did hear from
Sir Ferdinando, is evident; for, under date of July 19, 1642, from Bos-
ton Winter wrote Trelawney, "Mr. George & the rest of the Justices
of our province have promised to take a review of Casko about 10
dales hence. I do purpose, God willinge, to attend them."

The plan of Trelavvne}- and Sir Ferdinando was to nullify the
judgment of the commissioners; the act would be a revolutionarj' one
in effect, though the act of the government itself, and thus was an act
of tyranny. The chief commissioner would not proceed until fully
advised and had received positive orders direct from Sir Ferdinando
to pla}' the part of highwayman. There was but one way to foil
them, viz., to overturn the government itself — a considerable task
for one man to do. But Cleeve did not stop with half measures. In
neither old England nor New England was there a man who better
than he could judge the political situation, or better than he could
predict what was to follow events as they successively happened.
Right well, too, did he know the steps about to be taken by his
opponents. It was time for him to act. The letter which Winter
wrote to Trelawney under date of July 19, 1642, closed with the
information that "Cleeves is com for England."

The ship on which he sailed was the "Eleanor" of Eondon, Mr.
Jugle, master, was freighted with tobacco and had been blown into
Boston harbor after having been fourtee^h. da5's at sea. She had lost
her masts and "stopt heare in MassacKusetts bay to new mast,"
Winter wrote. She was in the harbor from Ma}' 9 to June 4, 1642,
which latter date was that of the departure \>i Cleeve for England.
The "Eleanor" sailed the better because o^- her new masts, and
reached Eondon town in safety. The ould Cjiee^e, then quite three
score and ten years of age, was in a country whos*. main business

GEORGE CIvEEVE 21

was overturning governments. All of its people were trjang their
hands thereat. There were tumultuous and troublesome times in
that year of 1642, and worse for somebody were to follow. The fair-
minded, honorable, energetic George Cleeve, gentleman, of Casco
Bay in Sir Ferdinando Gorges' province of Maine, who had always
abided his trust in others doing justice between man and man, had
hit upon another course to defend his possessions, one not so different
from that which his honorable opponents had resorted to. In I^on-
don the gentleman was with several ideas of value, and well able to
cope with Trelawney of the I^ong Parliament and with all comers
who may have designs upon his thousands of fair acres across the
wide Atlantic. Well does it stand the gentlemen of the province to
write what they may know as to his plans; for Winter to advise
Trelawney of his departure, for Godfrey to call him a "turbulent
fellow," and for the Reverend Robert Jordan to caution Trelawney,
that he was sure "Cleaves is wel nigh able to deceave the wisest
brain."

There was no need to employ deception. That Cleeve would
defend his rights as rigidly as he had daringly jeopardized his
title to the estates granted him, when the justice of his cause was his
guarantee for success, he will surely do, howsioever great is the out-
cry against him.

What was sometimes known as the Plough patent, which was
granted as early as 1630, by the Plymouth Company to John Dye and
others, contained a tract forty miles square extending along the coast
of Maine from Cape Porpoise to the Kennebec river, and included
Saco on its western and Casco on its eastern boundaries. It ante-
dated by several years the patent granted by the Plymouth Company
to Sir Ferdinando of the same and other tracts which he erected into
the province of Maine. It was called the Plough patent for the
probable reason that the emigrants sent by the patentees to settle
upon the land, came in the ship "Plough." Its proper appellation
was the Province of IvIGONia. Cleeve was in the province when
the emigrants arrived in 1630-1, who, however, did not long remain.
He was, therefore, acquainted with the grant of the province of
lyigonia and of its legal status and perfection, and knew its value in
competent hands. And now in the year 1642, with full knowledge
of the situation, the ould Cleeve had "com for England."

Mr. William Willis, in his history of Portland, while candid and
alwa3^s truthful, when he knew the truth, nevertheless, in several
instances, has done the memory of George Cleeve rank injustice,
though not intentionally nor with indifference, but from accepting as
authorit}' the loose statement of those who had written of Cleeve in a
careless way, and who sought rather to justify their notions as to the
earl}^ history of Maine, than to make known the facts; he did not
investigate as carefully as he should nor properly, weigh the matter
he collected, which had he done, he would at least have been able
to praise much more and to censure much less than he did praise
and censure the first settler of Portland. Mr. Willis wrote: —

"The government seemed now to have been placed on a respect-
able footing and to have afforded hope of permanency, but in 1642
the civil war broke out in England, the influence of which extended
to the colonies and destroyed all that Gorges had so long labored to

22 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

establish. He was a firm Episcopalian and royalist and joined the
king's party with the same zeal which governed all his former life;
although he was more than seventy years old he did not hesitate to
buckle on his armor and trust himself once more to the chances of
war in the defense of his principles and the person of the king. But
interested individuals were not idle to take advantage of this state of
things to aggrandize themselves and to gratify feelings of jealousy
and hatred against those who were unfriendly to them or stood in
their way. Among such circumstantial evidence would seem to place
our first settler, George Cleeve. Early in 1643 we find him in
England."

It alone remained to Cleeve to go to England. But for the
change in the source of favors brought about by the revolution ' 'our
first settler'' would not have had a place in America which he could
have called his own. Cleeve went to England in June, 1642. Dur-
ing that and the following year, the king's troops made steady prog-
ress against the Parliamentarian forces. The prospect was never
gloomier for the latter than at the time and for months following the
period when George Cleeve was in London. It is manifest then, that
he took his chances on the outcome of the war as much as could Sir
Ferdinando Gorges. In no sense did Cleeve take advantage of the
ruin of the latter. The man who voluntaril}^ submitted his title to
the Neck to arbitration, because his opponent had no remedy by
appeal, as was the method in England, rather than be charged with
unfairness as he, himself, deemed fairness to be, was not the man to
take advantage of another when helpless and friendless. He met
powerful and active adversaries in the flush of victory, and won h s
cause too, the ould Cleeve did, without a dishonorable act upon his
part.

With knowledge that Gorges and Trelawney were supporters of
the king, that hostilities had commenced between the contending
factions in England, that he was about to be deprived of his estates
by the might alone of the proprietor of the province of Maine, and
what was of more avail, with full knowledge that the Plough patent
antedated the patent to Gorges, this very active lone republican of
Casco Bay went to London, persuaded Sir Alexander Rigby to pur-
chase the Plough patent, to appoint him deputy president of the
province of Ligonia and to confirm in him his title to the land deeded
to him by Sir Ferdinando. Not so ver}^ bad for one old man to do!

The person to whom Cleeve resorted for aid to accomplish his
ends, was Thomas Morton, he of Merry Mount fame. The two were
associated in a way when Cleeve was in England in 1636-7. Morton
was then connected with affairs relating to the colonies in America,
either as an employee of Sir Ferdinando, or of a company in which
he was interested. During 1637, Sir Ferdinando had him discharged,
"casheered" he wrote Winthrop, for an alleged deceptive practice.
When Cleeve again visited England in 1642-3, affairs had so turned
themselves that Morton was the man above all others to aid in circum-
venting Sir Ferdinando and Trelawney respecting their dealings with
Cleeve. Morton was in New England in 1622-3, and while there
kept the saints mindful that he was to be prayed for. Probably his
worst offense, to them, was the erection of a maypole at Mount Wal-
leston, about which he and a few jubilists circled to the left. It was

GEORGE CLEEVE 23

the first pleasure resort started on the Western Continent. A form-
idable expedition was planned against Morton, under the leadership,
of the redoubtable Miles Standish, which came upon Morton when
quite all of his men were away among the Indians purchasing beaver
pelts. Morton sought another clime, his followers scattered and the
saints turned their attention to the development of the witch indus-
try. If there were a person whom a Puritan delighted in orally
excoriating, it was Morton. So extreme was their hatred of the man
that another having to do with him became a subject of their male-
dictions. Even by Kdward Winslow, the recollections of the service,
of Cleeve through the giving of his testimony in behalf of the Bay
colony to such purpose, in the presence of the king, as has been
related, were forgotten. Under date of September ii, 1643, he wrote
Winthrop:

"As for Mr. Rigby, if he be so good, honest and hopeful an
instrument as report passeth on him, he hath hap to light on two of
the arrantest known knaves that ever trod on New England shore to
be his agent, east or west, as Cleeve and Morton." The clause fol-
lowing is devoted to Morton only. Though Cleeve was not spared
by the writer, he delighted in distinguishing Morton above all other
knaves. The author of the "New England Canaan" was to a Puri-
tan, like a red rag to a bull.

Colonel Rigby, though an Episcopalian, was a warm supporter
of the cause of Parliament. To interest him in a colonial undertak-
ing in the tumultuous period of 1642-3, bespeaks the tact, enterprise
and force of character of George Cleeve.

The Deputy President of Eigonia arrived in the province in the
fall of 1643. Trouble enough there was to follow; those ardent, head-
strong, proud Episcopalian royalists, while the war continued, could be
compelled by force only to be governed by an independent in religion
and a republican in politics, one whom they so much feared as they
did Cleeve. Around Casco bay there were a few planters who were
grantees of Cleeve, and there were others in his employ; quite all had
a community of interest with him in protecting their own and his
estates, and for this reason they would become supporters of the new
government; so, the Deputy President could proclaim the new govern-
ment at his home where there would be recognition of it by a consid-
erable portion of the people. At Casco Bay he announced his
authority as Deputy President of Eigonia, under its President, Sir
Alexander Rigby, and appointed his oflEicers for the governing of the
province. There was no undue haste; the court which served for
legislative purposes as well as judicial, was not to be held until the
last of March, 1644. Plenty of time was given to the opposition in
which to fume, to fret, and to submit. The interval also served the
Deputy President in which to discover upon what and whom he
could rely for support. No man he feared; nothing he tried to do and
failed; nothing of advantage was left undone with available means to
do it, and no task was attempted but with the best of means at hand
for the purpose. Right forward he moved with not a backward step;
most fearfully in earnest was the ould Cleeve. Those rebels must be
subdued ! The means for so doing by force was the colony of
Massachusetts Bay, thoroughly republican, if she but chose to act.
The struggle between the contending parties in England, then at its

24 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

height, did not permit either of them to notice or to consider the pig-
my settlements strung along the Atlantic coast; they would belong to
the victor; so no assistance was to be expected from Parliament yet
awhile. The Deputy President called upon the Bay colony for aid.
Its authorities declined to employ force, but would write a letter to
the recalcitrants, as though in the year when victory followed the
banners of the king, that a letter from them would have any influence
with a party of Cavaliers, in inducing them to submit to the new
government. Clearly the colony was prepared to hazard but little
on the outcome of the war.

The center of the insurrection was at Saco. There gathered
Richard Vines, the deputy governor of the remnant of Sir Ferdi-
nando's province of Maine, and his royalist supporters, Henry Joce-
h'U, Robert Jordan, Edward Godfrey and quite all the large land
owners, grantees of Gorges or of the lord's patentees; there they held
court and defied and threatened Cleeve. It is noticeable that their
bumps of pugnacit}^ swelled as their hopes were raised for the success
of the king's cause; that when their hopes were high they contem-
plated roughshod proceedings, and that when low or despondent were
they in hopes of his success, they were contented to resort to petty
annoyances. Not for a day did Cleeve cease to press them, to persist
in his authority over them, and to endeavor to deprive them of hope
of assistance from the colony of Massachusett Bay, to whose authori-
ties they were continually writing for aid.

The Deputy President never had a cause of action or claimed a
right, whose justice, or his title to, he would not submit to arbitra-
tion. Let him but have the chance of winning upon what he
believed was lawful, and he ever stood ready and willing to take that
chance. No one could be fairer than he, but his opponent must also
be fair with him, or over would go board of arbitration, court of law,
government or anything that stood in the way of the doing of what
was right and proper. The Deputy President proposed to Vines to
arbitrate; he secured the consent of all of his adherents to a proposal
for arbitration, and to an agreement to submit to whichever govern-
ment, Rigby's or Gorges', the arbitrators should say was the rightful
one, until the question was determined by higher authority. The
proposal necessarily carried with it a measure for peace. It was not
accepted. The arbitrators were to be men of the colony of Massa-
chusetts Bay. There were no exceptions taken to the parties named
as arbitrators. Vines represented that he had no authority to submit
the interests of Gorges to arbitration. An excuse must be offered
that the neighbors mav not think he was afraid to trust them. It is
noticeable that in 1646, when the Cavaliers in England had not the
ghost of a show of winning in the war. that then a proposition to arbi-
trate was accepted by the Gorges faction with the result that upon the
hearing, the arbitrators were unable to decide anything of importance
relative to the rights of the respective claimants. However, in 1644,
tlie hopes of the king's party were high; then there was no thought
of arbitrating, could not arbitrate, had nothing to arbitrate. With
tlie Deputy President, justice was ever the same and eternal, however
things went with Cromwell; at all times he was willing to arbitrate.
So, when Mr. Tucker came to Saco as the bearer of the offer for arbi-
tration, Vines had him arrested and released him only upon giving

GEORGE CLEEVE 25

bonds for his appearance at a time named. Of course no good can
follow, but Vines has special cause for anger at this Tucker who is so
loyal to the Deputy President and has been so active in securing
adherents for the government of Rigby. Vines will have to explain
his course to the authorities of the Bay colony who have been expect-
ing that he will not resort to harsh measures, until it has been deter-
mined which government is the legal one. Let Vines, in writing to
them, premise the account of his proceedings against the bearer of an
offer to arbitrate, howsoever he will, with complaints of "the evell
practices of Mr. Cleeves and Mr. Tucker tending to the ruin of the
province;" finally he must confess in his letter the wherewithal for
the ould Cleeve to convict him out of his own mouth. The injury
resulting to the losing cause of the Gorges faction by this rash
act of the arrest of Tucker, prompts it to the use of threats, until once
more news is brought of a favorable turn of affairs for the king whose
plans had been sadly disarranged by the loss of the battle of Marston
Moor in July, 1644. Parliamentary negotiations with the king with-
out reckoning with the army, could again give rise to hopes to Cava-
liers so far distant as Maine, where they once more grow pugnacious.
Vines, the indiscreet, holds court at Saco in March, 1645, where the
Rev. Mr. Thomas Jenner of the Puritan persuasion is, and who is at
outs with Deputy Governor Vines. Right faithfully does the reverend
gentleman depict to the Puritan authorities of the Massachusetts Bay
colony as to how Deputy Governor Vines violated his word to "Your
Worshipfuls" with respect to keeping the peace; how said Deputy
Governor had issued a warrant for the arrest of the Deputy President
of Ligonia and his faithful Tucker and by force of arms had arrested
another adherent of the Deputy President, a Mr. Henry Watts, who
for the time being, chose to acknowledge the Gorges government,
rather than pay a fine; how to subdue the Deputy President and the
Rigbyites, said Vines and Company "have fitted themselves with
bilbowes and ordained Capt. John Bonython, Colonel General."
The reverend gentleman has a complaint of his own against Vines,
whom he charges with having advised some of "My parishoners not
to pay me stipend." He concludes with —

"Truly, I thinke verily, that the maine motive which stirs them
to be so violent against Mr. Righbie's conduct, is their manifold
debts to the people in the Bay & else wher. Now, so long as they
have the stafe in their owne hands, they care not. No man scarce
durst aske for their owne much (less) to sue for it."

Certainly, with a wrought-up divine on the subject of money
matters, to depict the doings of Vines and Company to the^Bay peo-
ple, it was not necessary for the Deputy President to send to them his
tale of woe; the divine would do the whole business, which he did do;
so, we hear nothing from the Digonian officials.

The Deputy President, in a contest, drew to his aid everything
serving a purpose therein, and made attacks all along the line. As
his opponents were Episcopalians, it was well to patronize the Inde-
pendents. The Rev. Mr. Jenner held services at Casco. Directly
upon his return from England to Casco, the Deputy President encour-
aged the settlement there of a minister of the Puritan faith. In a
letter under date of January 27, 1644, in phrases of the pious of those
days, he advised Winthrop of the Rev. Mr. Jordan's "vile reproach-

26 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

ful terms concerning the church of Christ in this land, " and how "they
seeing us about to settle ourselves under the ministry, and that we are
in hopes that the Lord will gather a church amongst us; this causeth
them and there prelatticall counsellor (Jordan) to raidge, which will
insite you to assist us so much the rather." Thus in advance the
ould Cleeve took occasion to spike any guns which Vines et al may
have across the bay.

Upon the petition of Cleeve to Parliament in 1642, a commission
issued to Winthrop, Arthur Macworth (a partisan of Vines) and
another to take the answer of lawyer Godfrey and Richard Vines, to
articles of complaint which had been filed against them, presumably by
Cleeve, and to take the depositions of the witnesses who had been
named to prove these articles. What Godfrey and Vines were
charged with has not been learned. Vines stated that if he incurred
the penalty for what he was accused, he and his family were ruined.
They certainly had no cause of complaint as to the parties composing
the commission. Macworth was prejudiced in their favor and they
had no reason to doubt the probity of John Winthrop. Seemingly
they had only to fear the truth becoming known; hence their deter-
mination never to appear before the commission. It is pleasing to
read how Vines not only carried out this determination, but actually
tried himself, and in so solemn a manner as to mislead eminent histo-
rians into the opinion that his accuser, George Cleeve, was tried and
convicted of forgery. Lawyer Godfrey was not as badly frightened
as was Vines; how he managed to avoid the proceedings his biogra-
pher does not relate.

The Deputy President did not forward the commission to Win-
throp until February 2, 1644, directly after Tucker's arrest at Saco,
when he was the bearer of the offer of arbitration. Under the cir-
cumstances, the information of the issuance of this commission must
have been a surprise to Messrs. Godfrej^ and Vines. It kept them
guessing as to what else Cleeve had up his sleeve and busy avoiding
the proceedings. In those days of unsettled authority, both in the
colonies and in the mother country, there was favorable opportunity
to evade legal proceedings, because of the lack of power to enforce
them in those localities where the strength of the contending factions
was nearly equal. Such was the condition in Maine. Nothing more
came of the proceedings than wiggling and squirming to avoid answer-
ing the articles of complaint. What further was done than to examine
a few witnesses by ex- parte method, does not appear. The matter
was moved in but slowly, for in August, 1645, Vines wrote Gov.
Winthrop complaining that he "had some hard measure in commis-
sion that came from Parliament;" that means had not been afforded
him to "vindicate myselfe from ClcA^es his most unjust accusations
against me to the honorable house of Parliament, which may cause
the utter mine of myselfe and family." He continues in the letter
about the sad predicament to which he is reduced; that he dare not
leave his family to go to Boston because of mischief that might befall
his family from Cleeve; how Cleeve sent him a daily threat of his
downfall if he did go to Boston; that if he went there "I would 1)^
fast or go home without my leggs." Clearly, Deputy Governor
Vines did not want to go to Boston. Why he thought there was
intention of be-legging him, the records do not disclose. It is not

GEORGE CLEEVE 27

known for what crimes the Puritans be-legged offenders. Any way.
Vines was in sad straights. Better sell one's belongings and leave
the country, than to lose one's legs in Boston in those days.

In October, 1645, the Gorges faction held a court at Saco; quite
all the recalcitrants were in attendance, and judging by the records
of its proceedings, their chief business was to pay their respects to the
absent Cleeve and prepare a certificate of good character for Vines.
He, as we have seen, would not appear in Boston before the commis-
sioners appointed by Parliament, to answer the articles of complaint
preferred against him by Cleeve; could do better in his own court in
Saco, where, whatever the result, he would not be be-legged.
Accordingly he proceeded to try himself. There were filed two affi-
davits of which one was sworn to by nine persons, including Arthur
Macworth, one of the commissioners named by Parliament. It reads
as follows:

"We whose names are hereunto written do testify upon our oaths
that we never gave to Mr. George Cleves of Cascoe in the Province of
Mayne in New England (authority) to prefer any petition or to exhib-
it any articles in Parliament against Mr. Richard Vines of New Eng-
land aforesaid. Neither did wee either see or knowe of the said arti-
cles or petition until the said George Cleaves did last come out of
England. Neither can we testify any such things as are exhibited in
the said petition or declared by his articles against Mr. Richard Vines
by the said Cleaves."

If the parties were named as witnesses by Cleeve as competent to
prove the charges he had preferred against Vines, it would have
looked better in the latter had he adduced their evidence in the
proper tribunal to show that they were not thus competent. Surely,
they would not be be-legged if they went to Boston.

The other affidavit was signed by Mr. Francis Robinson; it reads
much the same as the foregoing with this additional clause:

"And I doe more over testify that Mr. Thomas Jenner, Minister
of God's word, told me he asked Mr. Cleaves why he putt men's
hands to a petition they never saw & he said his answer was that
Parliament bid him doe it."

That is, Parliament bade Cleeve commit forgery! Any way it
would have been better to have had the oath of the Rev. Mr. Jenner
who was present, to what he heard Cleeve state, rather than that of a
person who heard the Rev. Mr. Jenner's say as to the matter. Per-
haps the judges attached much importance to the testimony of Rob-
inson, who was courting the Rev. Mr. Jenner's daughter (not with
the father's consent) and, therefore, thought that Robinson ought to
know fully as well as the reverend gentleman himself.

Assuredly the truth is that Cleeve was required to name the wit-
nesses by whom he could prove the charges he had preferred against
Vines, and was directed by a committee of Parliament to give their
names in writing, which then directed that these witnesses be
sworn before the commissioners. In any event, as the facts were,
neither Robinson nor other witness stated that his name was affixed
to any document by Cleeve, meaning thereby that he signed the
name so as to purport to those to whom the document was to be pre-
sented, that it was signed by the individual himself. It is to be
regretted that so eminent a historian, as was Mr. Willis, mistook

28 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

these affidavits and the proceedings in the Saco court as evidence
that Cleeve was charged with, and tried for, committing forgery,
though he thought that no great consideration should be attached to
the outcome, as Cleeve was not permitted to be present to defend
himself. Had there been a pretense that forgery had been committed,
how easih' Macworth, who was one of the commissioners appointed
by Parliament, could have advised with the other commissioners, one
of whom was John Winthrop, and thus quashed the proceedings
against Vines through making known the facts. However, as results
were turning out. Vines became impressed with the belief that the
Barbadoes had a better climate than had the province of Maine, was
safer for one's legs; so, with his family and certificate of good char-
acter he departed thither, and b}^ his going the province lost a most
excellent magistrate and gentleman.

The October term of the Saco court in the year 1645, Lawyer
Godfre}' thought a good opportunity to secure a judgment against
Cleeve on that old demand for costs in the Star Chamber court pro-
ceedings. The Deputy President never did constrain himself to
recognize the judgment of a court conducted by the recalcitrants.
Hence, lyawyer Godfrey died with this sum owing to him, as he
believed, — died in a debtor's prison on Ludlow street, London, some
twenty years later. Worse men have had a better fate, as he, himself,
was deserving; for he was a man of man}^ sterling qualities.

During the year 1645 Mr. Winter died. It is not found that he
was active in opposition to the Deput}^ President; the latter does not
mention him in any of his letters. Winter had reason to recollect
that terrible time in 1 640-1 when Cleeve pursued him so vigorously
on land and water, and, therefore, was not participating in politics in
these later stormy days. The fact was that the Deputy President
had effectually squelched all pretensions of Winter and Trelawney
(who too died that j-ear) to any claim to the Neck. Winter's son-
in-law, the Rev. Mr. Jordan, was becoming conspicuous, of whom
the Deputy President will have to take notice and to whom he will
la}^ down the law, shortly, in matters of religious practice. The ould
Cleeve makes matters ver)- interesting for all his opponents along the
man)^ lines afforded him, and keeps them busj' too, as this active
reverend gentleman will learn at a later day.

The territory along the coast from the Piscataqua river to Saco,
remained to Gorges; in extent it was considerabh^ larger than
Ligonia and had a larger number of inhabitants, quite all of whom
were bent on the destruction of Rigbj-'s proprietary government of
Ligonia. Their number, added to the Gorges partisans in Ligonia,
made quite a formidable showing and far exceeded the followers of
Cleeve. Said territory constituted Gorges' province of Maj-ne after
the province of Ligonia was recognized by the English government,
and it remained to his heir until 1652.

The Gorges faction Sleeted Henr}'- Jocelyn to succeed Vines as
Deputy Governor of Ma}-ne. If Vines was indiscreet, Jocelyn was
next to insane in his method of opposition to the Deputy President of
Ligonia. Jocelyn was for strong measures. His residence was at
Black Point, probably fifteen miles from the home of Cleeve, and
there and at other places he commenced to gather his men whom he
armed and drilled, to make civil war indeed, if some one as foolish as

GEORGE CIvEEVE 29

he can be found to war with him. All this is known to the Deputy
President at Casco who writes it to Winthrop under date of Februar}-
i8, 1645, in terms as follows: "At which time, they having made a
party of neare an hundred (as we are informed) to set upon us &
violently to resist Mr. Rigby's authority & so take us and our partie
& slay us or deale with us at their pleasure." The Deputy Presi-
dent requested a few armed men from Massachusetts, for the protec-
tion of the people, but none were sent. However, nothing deterred
him from holding court in March at Casco Bay on the Neck. There
the officers and the people of Ligonia assembled and awaited the
coming of the bold cavaliers. The Rev. Mr. Jenner tells what hap-
pened. As was the custom he preached a sermon on the opening of
the court and made himself indispensable in various ways, as was the
wont of divines in those days on quite all occasions. Mr. Jocelyn
came with his company armed with guns and swords. The Deputy
President and his company were unarmed. After the Rev. Mr.
Jenner had discoursed, Mr. Jocelyn with his company took a position
about forty rods from where were assembled the people of Ligonia,
and the next morning proceeded to read the riot act, enjoining the
Ligonians to submit to the Gorges government. This much was
accomplished; that stipulations were entered into for arbitration, as
had been proposed by the Deputy President a year earlier, with
Governor Winthrop and others of the Bay colony as arbitrators.

This also in addition happened,- viz., that the Deputy President
in no uncertain terms forbade the Rev. Mr. Jordan "to administer
the scales of the covenant promiscuouslj^ & without due order &
ordination within the province of lyigonia."

And still further, continues the Rev. Mr. Jenner: —

"I must needs acknowledge to their high commendation that
both Mr. Jocelyn and Mr. Cleeve carried on the interaction very
friendly like men of wisdom and prudence, not giving one unbehold-
ing word each together."

Then this Sphinx, as a worthy historian has spoken of him,
imperturbably watched the approach of the rebels with Colonel-
general John Bonython at their head, all armed with bilboes, as they
crowded on the shore of Casco river and are ferried by the boatload
to the Neck; unfalteringly, for all of their braggadocio, stood his
ground at the official building, as they march b}^; never for one
minute wavered or lost his self-control ; and when the time came, he
did not forget to give the Rev. Mr. Jordan a lick with the rough side
of his tongue. We are left to conjecture as to how Colonel-general
Bon5^thon, Deput)^ Governor Jocelyn and Chief-counsellor Jordan
accommodated their band of bilboe bearers during those bleak March
days. However, the Deputy President was a cheerful, hospitable,
genial host, no doubt, and had stocks of hogs and goats and deer
and fish by the ton, and cellars of beer by the tun too. Rest assured
that all were well served and treated and long remembered the day
when Colonel-general Bon3'thon at the the head of the forces of the
Province of Mayne led the attack on the people of the Province of
Ligonia; and how they were, one and all, fairly captivated by the
ould Cleeve. Well also did they and the people of Ligonia remem-
ber how the Deputy President, the Deputy Governor, the Colonel-
general and (of course) the Rev. Messrs. Jenner and Jordan met in the

30 BRACKETT GENEAIvOGY

court room and there discussed at great length their differences and
proposals; how in the end they agreed to do the very thing the ould
Cleeve was always willing and desirious of doing, viz.: to arbitrate
the question as to which government had a legal existence. After
two or three days of confab Jocelyn and his forces retired. Gov.
Winthrop had advised both parties to abide their differences and
each had acted thereon. Nothing came of the arbitration, as, the
arbitrators did not find the proofs of either party sufficient for the
purpose of an award. However, within a few months arrived the
decision by the Commissioners for the Colonies. It was in favor of
Rigby, and Cleeve was at once recognized by all factions as Deputy
President of lyigonia.

We have ver}- little information as to the composition of the gov-
ernment of lyigonia. There were a number of assistants who, with
the Deputy President, constituted the general assembly whose powers
were legislative and judicial.

For twelve j^ears George Cleeve was the ruler, the Deputy Presi-
dent. Not a single incident happened to cast reproach upon his
administration, and but one to ruffle the calm of peace which the peo-
ple of Ligonia enjoyed during a period when, in England and her other
colonies, there were more or less of turmoil and rigid political restraint.
The sturdy old republican Deputy President suffered no religious
strife in the province, or other strife.

Strange it is that there is extant no records of the proceedings of
the general assembly, save that referable to the estate of John Win-
ter, in the view that the government of Cleeve was followed by that
of the government of Massachusetts Ba}- whose duty it was to secure
and preserve such records. That courts were held and laws were
enacted under which rights became vested and which, in subsequent
years, were respected, are evidenced by that title to the Trelawney
grant in the Jordan heirs, is solely founded upon a judgment of the
province of L/igonia; yet there exists hardly a scrap either of the judi-
cial or legislative acts of the general assembl}^ other than as noted.

Nor have we but little more as to the events happening in the
province. It is worthy of remark that this gentle calm in civil mat-
ters followed as chaotic a state of affairs, short of actual warfare, as
can well be conceived. The happenings of a day, one with another,
were so much alike, the seasons through, that the story of the lives
of the people is told in the relation of their manners and customs.
Never was there a greater plenty of so man}' comforts of life more
generally enjoyed by the settlers, nor was there ever a longer contin-
uance of uninterrupted enjoyment of the fruits of labor, when so
slight effort insured so bountiful a harvest, than was their lot under
the rule of Cleeve. Wrote John Jocelyn — "Nine miles eastward of
Black Point lieth scatteringly the town of Casco upon a large bay,
stored with cattle, sheep, swine, abundance of marsh and arable land,
a corn-mill or two, and stages for fisherman. * * * They have a
custom of taking tobacco, sleeping at noon, sitting long at meals,
sometimes four times a da)' and then drinking a dram of the bottle
extraordinary. They feed generally upon as good flesh, beef, pork,
mutton, fowl and fish, as an)' in the world beside. Their servants,
which are most English, will not work at less than half a crown a
day, when they are out of their time."

GEORGE CLEEVE 31

It is to be regretted that more information has not been preserved
as to those halc^'on days in I^igonia, when the province was ruled by a
just and upright man for twelve years, who had completed his three
score years and ten before he commenced to rule. We could the
more vividly realize how completely this Arcadia was due to Cleeve's
own efforts, if we were able to correctly imagine the chaos that
would have been his opponents, had they been in power, alone due to
their greed of gain, their spirit for revenge and their desire to humil-
iate. There is no reason to believe but that at all times his rule was
as vigorous as it was just. One who could worry a person of the
character of John Winter, so persistent and stubborn as was he, as
Cleeve worried him by writs, executions and orders, with constables,
deputy marshals and marshals, with posse on land and sea, night and
day, and along the entire coast of the province of Maine have these
dogs of the law^ ever on the watch; besieged him in house, boat and
ship, at home and abroad, week in and week out, harried, pursued,
and finally bound him "in a band;" all this to collect a debt, — such
a one would not fail to most effectually enforce law and order when it
became his duty to do so. At no time would his rule be "feeble
sway."

The death of the proprietor. Sir Alexander Rigby, in 1650, was an
occasion which the chronic recalcitrants could not let slip by without
some kind of a demonstration, that their hand at the business might not
lose its cunning. The Deputy President, in lieu of mulcting them
heavily and committing them to prison, took the milder course of put-
ting up with their opposition to the proprietary government of Rigby,
until it became necessary for him as a matter of duty to report the sit-
uation to Sir Alexander's heir, Mr. Edward Rigby. Cleeve went to
England in 1652, in which year the new proprietor addressed a letter to
the several gentlemen of the province of whom complaint had been
made, in which they were advised in cogent terms to desist in their
schemes or they would be forced to submission. Cleeve thus struck
and hit hard; rebellious methods ceased.

If the Deput}' President, in his official capacity, ever did any thing
that will not stand the test of criticism, it was his act in allowing the
property of the estate of Robert Trelawney to be sold to satisfy the
demand of a few hundred pounds which the estate of John Winter
had against Trelawne3^ The latter was in prison at the time of his
death, and quite all of his property in England had been confiscated.
His heir was his son of the age of eight years, and his large inheri-
tance in the province of Ligonia was sold to satisfy said demand.
The Rev. Mr. Jordan, who was the administrator of the estate of
Winter, had married Winter's daughter and was the purchaser of
the Trelawney estate. The Deputy President concerned himself in
the matter no further than as his judicial power was invoked by the
petitioners in the proceedings. That he could have prevented the
sale, is probable, and that he did not, is the act that may be criti-
cised. The Deputy President was not the public officer to permit
himself to do more for one than for another of the people of the prov-
ince which he ruled. The ould Cleeve had suffered from the part
Sir Ferdinando Gorges as proprietor, had taken against him in his
contest with the child's father. A part like the one pla5'-ed by Sir
Ferdinando was not to his liking. So, while the sacrifice of the child's

32 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

estate ma}- excite s^-mpath}' of those who read about its having been
done, there is plenty- of ground for justification of the course of the
Deputy President in the matter.

Let it be considered what a grand opportunity was presented to
the Deputy President, in the course of the legal proceedings that
were to effect the transfer of title to the Trelawney lands from the
Trelawne}^ heir to the Rev. Mr. Jordan, in which to exact from
the latter a deed of release of all claims to land north of Casco or Fore
river, to which Trelawne}' asserted title under his patent, as one of
the conditions under which those proceedings would be allowed to
be consummated as to lands in said grant on the south side of said
river. Let it further be considered how consonant it would have
been with the character of Cleeve, had he been the man that worths-
historians have pictured him to be : — for instance, if, as he has been
charged with doing, had he profited bj^ the misfortunes which befell
Gorges on the outcome of the revolution in England, at a time when
Gorges was his benefactor and was helpless for making a defense —
how strictly consonant would it have been with such a character to
have brought the not over-scrupulously reverend gentleman to under-
stand that the Deput)^ President of Digonia would not permit judg-
ment to be rendered in a court of the province relative to title to lands
which the ould Cleeve claimed was in him, unless to confirm title in
him. But nothing of the kind took place. The Deputy President
was as honest, just and upright a ruler as the ould Cleeve was man,
and would know nothing about the latter' s title to land unless the
ould Cleeve came into court in the regular way.

Before the departure of the Deputy President for England in
the year 1652, the colony of Massachusetts Ba}' discovered that its
patent was quite malleable from little hammering, was much inclined
of its own power to extend, like a cankerous growth, its boundaries
that were tractile but not elastic. Upon the death of Governor Win-
throp the colony became ambitious. About the year 1650 the patent
began to extend itself around the ba3\ As the colonj^ of New
Hampshire had been annexed in 1640, the stretching process began
at the Piscataqua river, at the time the boundar}^ between the Bay
colon}' and the province of Maine which recognized as its proprietor
the heir of Sir Ferdinando Gorges. A goodl)- number of the people
who had settled in the province, were Independents in religion and
had come from the Bay colony. The Episcopalians, adherents of
Gorges, whose abilit}' to change their allegiance when to their
advantage was something admirable, were not constrained by con-
science to make anj- sacrifice for the sake of their proprietor, at a
time when England was ruled by the Commonwealth. Their show
of opposition to the purpose of the colony was the feeblest and the
cheapest known, that of a protest, in which Law3'er Godfre}^ joined,
and then accepted office under the usurper. Compared with what
remained to be done in the stretching line, it was an eas}^ task to
stretch the patent of the Bay colon}- over the little province of Maine.
The act Avas completed in 1652. But its power in the line noted was
simph' wonderful, as shown by the wa}^ in the 3^ear 1672 it extended
over a part of the Duke of York's province adjoining Ligonia on the
east. In that year, one, Munjoy, was employed to run a north line
of the colony's patent, which he did in accordance with the direction

GEORGE CLEEVE 33

of its authorities as to their pretension as to its northern limit; he
then informed the authorities that —

"If the honored commissioners were pleased to go twenty min-
utes more northerly in Merrimac river, it would take in all the
inhabitants and places east along and they seem much to desire it."
It was accordingly done and said inhabitants were "took in."

This new departure of the Massachusetts Bay colony meant
trouble for the Deputy President. So formidable an antagonist as it
was, for next-door neighbor, and claiming all one possesses, necessa-
rily meant a conflict. Great as she was, she moved cautiously when
she laid hold of lyigonian territory. Right keenly did she fear that
old aggressive, active, energetic Deputy- President. As noted, he
was in England in the year 1652; he returned in the year 1653.
Before his return, a portion of the people of Saco recognized the jur-
isdiction of the Bay colonj^ The other towns in the province, par-
ticularly those in its eastern part, faithfully supported the Deputy
President, who successfully maintained his authority until the year
1658. During this period his efforts were seconded by the Episco-
palians of the province under the lead of the Rev. Mr. Robert Jordan
and Henry Jocelyn. These men held office under the Ligonian gov-
ernment, were assistants, members of the general assembly, and were
among its staunchest supporters in these days, '

It is pleasing to note the difference in the character of the oppo-
sition by the Deputy President and by the officials of Gorges' prov-
ince, to the claim of the Bay colony; 'that of the latter was like the
squeak of a mouse as tabby devours it; of the former to the roar of a
lion upon hearing an intruder into the solitudes of his retreat. And
the intruder paused too, for six years did nothing more than pause,
solicit, implore, — never threatened.

First, there were inquiries into the title of each by the respective
claimants, a friendly investiga'tion upon disputed points and the inter-
change of several letters, all of which took up a great deal of time.
Finall3^ in the year 1657, the Bay colony felt warranted in issuing
its mandate for the people of Ligonia to send representatives to meet
its commissioners at York, a place in the recently sequestrated prov-
ince of Maine. The mandate was ignored. The commissioners
sought to make themselves terrible by trumpeting forth that repre-
sentatives should be sent to meet them in Boston in October, 1657.
In lieu of the people sending representatives, the aged Deputy Presi-
dent, whose forte it was to join issue with an opponent, sent a letter
to the general court with the information of "the resolution of the
inhabitants to deny submission" to the Bay colony. In the light
thereof, the general court was unanimous in the opinion that it was
best for the present to "surcease any further prosecution" of its claim.

The general court surceased in its brow-beating tactics only;
such course as it had been pursuing availed but little against the
indomitable Cleeve. It next adopted a policy of cajolery to seduce
Cleeve's following, and was successful in its purpose. Cleeve could
be stranded, but nothing the Bay colony could hold out to him would
make him unfaithful. In July, 1658, the people of Ligonia submitted
to the claim of the Bay colony. As has been noted, the people of
Saco had submitted as early as 1652. In Saco there was a consider-
able settlement of Independents; others of the same persuasion con-

34 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

stituted a goodly portion of the settlers in the several towns of the
province. Nearly all of them were immigrants from the Ba}' colony
and favored its pretension in that the province of Ligonia was a part
of its territory. These Independents had been partisans of Cleeve in
his contest with the Gorges faction. The latter were his partisans
in his contest with the Bay colony; they were quite all Episcopalians,
as was Rigby. Their leading men readily deserted Cleeve in 1658,
upon the promise of being honored by office and the exercise of local
power. Cleeve for years had successfully played off Independent
against Episcopalian and maintained Rigby's government. When
both parties left him he was alone, it is true, but he had performed
his duty; to try and do more in behalf of Rigby would have been
futile. He himself could have no objections on religious or political
grounds to the government of the Bay colony, for with its people on
those matters he was in full accord. In the face of these considera-
tions and against great odds, he alone had maintained the Rigby pro-
prietorship by his tact. When he submitted to the rule of the Bay
colony he did so with honor. He was the soul of honor.

The province of Eigonia had not been of any pecuniar}^ advan-
tage to Edward Rigby; perhaps, after his experience with it for eight
years, with its incumbent strife and worry, he may have considered
as a bargain the relief which was afforded him when the Bay colony
discovered that the province belonged to her and took charge of it;
and, like the man living near Michigan city, who bartered forty
acres of land for a calf and considered that he had doubled his profits
by deeding the stranger an eighty in lieu of a forty, Edward Rigby
would have thrown in b}- the way of lag-gniappe another such prov-
ince, if he had another, and thus doubled his relief, had the Bay
colony taken the pains to secure his consent to the transaction.

Historians writing of Cleeve assume that, at the time of the
change of government in 1658, he had lost his influence and was run
down in a financial way. There is nothing to warrant the belief that
he had lost his political prestige further than that on the organiza-
tion of the new government he was not appointed one of the associate
judges. He was not wholly overlooked, for he was appointed one of
the town commissioners. However, the associate judgeships were,
it is hazarded, turned over to Jordan, Jocelyn and other Episco-
palian lights as a part of the bargain between them and the Bay
colony in return for their submission to its claim; to their tender
mercies Cleeve was to look for justice. Certain it is that Jordan and
Jocelyn were appointed associate judges. When these same judges
in 1662 were plotting against the sovereignty of the Baj' colony,
to whom did it look to sustain its authority at Casco and the adjoin-
ing towns? To no other than George Cleeve. In 1663 and 1664 he
was chosen a member of the general court, which latter year was the
last during his life that the province of Maine was governed as a part
of the Bay colony. Nor is there but little to warrant the belief that
he was in financial straits. Of his large holdings in real estate he
had retained quite all until 1657, except the tracts which he had
deeded to different members of his family. In the j-ear 1657, he
commenced to dispose of his land granted to him by Gorges. Dur-
ing that year and the next he sold several tracts about the bay prin-
cipally to parties of the Bay colony. In September, 1659, Cleeve

GEORGE CLEEVE 35

sold his homestead, all east of Clay cove, reserving the use of the
house and cleared lands during his life, and by the end of the follow-
ing year he sold the remainder (the Hope Allen farm) of the grant
of Gorges to him. It will be observed that he had disposed of that
part of his estate claimed by Jordan; that he made no disposition of
any considerable portion of it until the danger was imminent that the
Bay colony would acquire the sovereignty of the province by means
of a deal with the Episcopalian settlers, and then he sold — to whom?
To Independents of the Bay colony. If Jordan plucked anybody he
would pluck them. There is no evidence that he had squandered
what he had received from these sales, and surely he was as well off
financially with the proceeds of them as he was when he owned the
land, as he probably got its value. The Rigby grants to him, what-
ever they were, he still retained.

In referring to the course of Cleeve while Deputy President,
when came before the court of which he was a member, the proceed-
ings whereby the Rev. Mr. Jordan acquired title to the Trelawney
estate, the editor of the Trelawney Papers (Vol. Ill, Doc. Hist, of
Me., pp. 382-3, foot note), says: —

"Whatever may be said of Cleeve it must be admitted that he
showed magnanimit}^ in his action in this matter. In 1648 when
this settlement was made, Cleeve 's influence must have been consid-
erable ; yet he acted in favor of Jordan who had always been inimi-
cal to him, and after his loss of influence, pursued him piteously and
that, too, in his old age."

That Jordan piteously pursued Cleeve, may have been the fact;
but an account of the pursuit much reminds one of the story of the
hawk's seizure of the weasel, in the matter of the hawk's willingness
to cry quits. There were other matters that arose to occasion Cleeve
anxiety at about the time the Rev. Mr. Jordan took upon himself to
reward, in his peculiar way, Cleeve for his magnanimity, which will
be mentioned in their order. It is gratifying to know that Cleeve
fared ver}- well through it all, — was present when the other fellow
toed the mark for the last time.

Under the laws of the colony of Massachusetts Bay, in some
instances the land in a town which had not been granted upon the
incorporation of the town, was the subject of grants by the people
thereof through the townsmen or selectmen. What appears to have
been an attempt to dispose or take possession of property of Cleeve,
land which he claimed to own, through the agency of the people to
grant land and privileges, upon Falmouth becoming incorporated in
1658, was engineered by Jordan. A proposition was made by him to
erect a mill upon the Presumpscot river which he called (out loud,-
probably, for the first time in a dozen years) Casco river; he secured
the signatures of several of the planters, to a petition, in brief,
expressing their consent to, and approval of, his scheme to build the
mill, and setting forth how greatly to the advantage of the people it
would be to have a mill on that river. The people who thus gave
their consent and approval, with two exceptions, lived along the
Presumpscot river or quite ten miles therefrom to the south side of
Casco river. It is noticeable that all were inhabitants of Falmouth,
and, with two exceptions, were old time opponents of Cleeve. It is
quite certain that an attempt was made to grant lands belonging to

36 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

Cleeve, or which he claimed, as the like attempt was made bj^ the
people residing in other towns in the province to grant the land of
large land-owners among them respectivel)' . A committee appointed
by the general court to investigate the complaints of such land-
owners, reported under date of October 25, 1660, upon the complaint
of Cleeve, that the evidence to show title in him to the land in ques-
tion, was not adduced before the committee; that "the townsmen of
Falmouth be ordered not to dispose of any lands which are within his
grants or patents until this court takes further orders." So Cleeve
thus triumphed in this matter.

In the county court of the county (York), in the year 1659,
Cleeve was defeated in an action he brought against one Francis
Small, to recover land, which Cleeve claimed was included in a
grant to him, probabh' by Rigby. At the same term Thomas
Elbridge living at Pemaquid, Maine, and Cleeve were parties to sev-
eral actions. One, in which the latter was plaintiff, was for five hun-
dred pounds on account. Elbridge made no defense. A person who
is creditor for so large a sum as this action was brought to recover,
certainly was not in destitute circumstances. Cleeve was defendant
in three actions brought by Elbridge, but made no defense. One
was to recover in debt for fifty pounds ; a second was for "defama-
tion" in which judgment was given for the plaintiff for the sum of
fifty pounds ; the third was for assault and batter}'- "for striking of
him;" judgment was for costs. Cleeve could have felt flattered at
being mulcted in a fine, when quite ninety years of age, for success-
fully chastizing a gentleman from the province of the Duke of York.
Possibl)% too, the defamation of said gentleman consisted in hi's hav-
ing been trounced b}- a man old enough to have been his grandfather.
Defamation of character in those days, particularly in regions where
the science of the law was in so raw a state as it was at that period in
the province of Maine, consisted of anything said or done by one
about or to another which displeased him. Elbridge was the son of
an early settler at Pemaquid. The dealings between Elbridge and
Cleeve were perhaps in commodities. There is no other information
than given by the records of these actions concerning their transac-
tions or difficulties. That relating to the action for defamation, shows
that the court also directed that Cleeve should make an acknowledge-
ment of his offense when the court shall appoint, which it ordered to
be in presence of the court and at Casco the next public town meeting.
Two of the five judges of the county court, count)^ of York, into
which was erected the portion of Maine deemed to be a part of Mass-
achusetts Bay colony, were Robert Jordan and Henry Jocelyn; the
others were of the Gorges faction. It is quite apparent that Cleeve
might well expect from the court, the bent of two of whose judges it
was to humiliate and harry their old time opponent, nothing less than
the annoyances he put up with. There is no better illustration of
their determination in this matter, and of the crude notions of law pre-
vailing, than is afforded by the following incident : At this term of
court as the record reads — "Mr. George Cleeves presented for deny-
ing to vote for magistrate and saying that if the people would vote for
Mis Clark to be a witch he would vote."

In his biography of Cleeve, Mr. Baxter's version as to the import
of the foregoing is, that Cleeve declared he would as soon vote for

GEORGE CLEEVE 37

Miss Clark to be a witch as to vote for Jordan to be a magistrate.
And for making this statement Cleeve was indicted.

Jordan was a judge of the court until sometime in the year 1662.
It is hardly thought that the animus of this man toward Cleeve, as
consonant with his character, whether as a judge or in other capacity,
would only permit him to charge Cleeve or incite others to bring
charges against him, with or for anything less than he was guilty; at
most, the court record furnishes nothing worse than that Cleeve
was charged with assault and battery. Of little purpose is all we
read in the record of this court to prove that he was turbulent, quar-
relsome or litigious. We now have twenty-eight years of his life
before us and by the evidence it furnishes, not only is it disproved
that he was either turbulent, quarrelsome or litigious, but also it is
proved per contra.

The record of this term of court tells us yet another tale; and, at
this point it is apropos for relating.

Cleeve promptly brought action against Jordan for disturbing his
possession on the Neck, for asserting title thereto under the Trelawney
grant. Of necessity he had to bring the action in the court, of which
Jordan, himself, was one of the judges, and the result was what was
to be expected of that tribunal. Also Cleeve was compelled to com-
mence more than one suit against Jordan, in all of which he was
defeated. It will serve no purpose to give any further account of the
proceedings than to relate one or two matters connected therewith of
particular import. In these several actions brought by Cleeve, judg-
ment for costs was given for Jordan; execution issued and levy was
made upon Cleeve's household goods, and possession was taken of
his house to satisfy the judgment which was for a small amount. It
may be wondered at that, unless he were in sad straits financially,
Cleeve would have suffered matters to proceed so far. We have his
account of the affair which will appear at the proper place.

It would be a tight corner that George Cleeve could not .squeeze
out of. Over a quarter of a centur}- prior to the time we are now
writing of, this same Jordan wrote Trelawney that Cleeve "is wel
nigh able to deceave the wisest brain." There was no occasion to
work deception then nor was there any occasion to practice it in
1660 and later. Straightforward work will most surely confound an
opponent of the Jordan stamp, which, with a lucky turn of the wheel
of fortune that always came for the ould Cleeve at the opportune
time, will occasion the reverend gentleman to have more business
to attend in Boston and elsewhere than will well serve his present
purposes. No appeal would lie from the count}- court's judgment.
Cleeve desired but a hearing before an impartial court; he rightly
attributed his failure to win his cause to Jordan being one of the
judges. Though he had no right of appeal he had the right to
petition for redress the great and holy general court of the colony
of Massachusetts Bay, and this he did do, on May 24, 1661. Jordan
did not appear before the committee of the general court appointed
to investigate the matter. Cleeve again petitioned the general court
probably in the fall of 1662. That portion of the petition of material
interest reads : —

"Thirdly. Mr. Robert Jordan, having recovered the said action
against me, takes forth the executive against me for it, as also for

38 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

the cost of the court aforesaid, all of which with charges extending
did amount unto the sum of 17 pounds or thereabouts, as appears by
the constable's testimony, who levied it on my house and household
goods and cow.

Fourthly. Mr. Robert Jordan, having soe recovered and
extended as aforesaid, notwithstanding did not expel me mj^ house
nor took possession of it, but took my word and engagement to pay
him the just sum due to him by virtue of the said judgments, which
accordingly I did pay unto him. Notwithstanding which I having
given him under ni}' hand that the house and goods should remain
as his till the sum were paid. And though I paid it fully, yet at a
court of Associates (county court) in March last (himself being one
of the Associates) he sued me again for delivery of m}^ house, goods
and cow and recovered against me, and hath taken them from me
and holds them, the house being prized but at 8 pounds which but a
little before cost me 60 pounds.

Sixthl)^ At the same court of Associates in March last, having
again recovered my house, cow, bed and bolster and bed clothes, my
brewing kettle, pot and other goods, obtains an execution (on another
judgment) directed to the constable's deputj^ to possess him the said
Jordan of the said house and goods, and commanded the constable's
deputy — being his own creature — to throw out all my other goods,
as apparel, chests, trunks and provisions, out of doors, who so acted to
the spoiling and breaking of many of my things, and whereby I lost
much of my goods and writings and apparel of my wife's and many
other things, to my damage more than one hundred pounds sterling.
And more to vex and grieve me, he brought with him one of his own
men to assist the constable's deputy, who was stark drunk, taking
my kettle and pott being full or worte for beere ready to tun up, and
threw it about the house and carried away the said kettle and pot
and detaineth them to this day, being contrary to the law in such
cases provided. And further to increase my grief he requested his
drunken man (perhaps John Guy) and deputy constable to go into
my wife's chamber where she was laid on her bed and very sick, who
in a barbarous manner pulls her from off her bed and takes her bed
from under her and the bed clothes and carries all away, m}^ wife
being no less than four score years and seven years of age ; and all
this done after a warrant of attachment was served upon the said
house, goods and cow by said deputy constable under the hand of
Mr. Edward Rishworth, one of the associates requiring the said
house and goods to be responsible to answer my action of review to
be tried at the next court of Associates, where, in truth I have but
small hopes of good success in my suits against him, he being one of
them and one that boldly said, let them if they durst, find anything
against him. My suspicion being the greater for that I proved at the
last court that I had paid Mr. Jordan twenty pounds towards the two
executions to purchace my peace for the present, until I might by
some review or complaint redress mj^ wrong, for all of which I had no
allowance by any order of court, * * * so that Mr. Jordan detaineth
from me wrongfully my goods and two cows, being all the cattle I
had for my subsistence for the present, and hath proffered to sell my
house to any that would buy it, and all this for the purpose to starve
and ruin me and my family."

1

GEORGE CIvEEVE 39

The foregoing is one of the principal sources of information
about Cleeve that we have, and many are the deductions that have
been drawn from his statements contained in this petition. If
accepted literally, the conclusion is warranted that Cleeve was in
very straitened conditions financially. But it is nothing more than
a specimen of very good pleading, wherein the absence of order and
justice is well kept to the forefront, to invoke the interference in behalf
of the pleader, the authority of the general court. In the proper
connection is mentioned all the depredations committed upon him by
Jordan in the name of the law. Not more of particulars are omitted
by him in this instance than did Jordan omit to set forth in his
account against the Trelawney estate, which, among many items,
included an unpaid legacy of some odd pounds to Winter bequeathed
to him by Trelawney. Cleeve dwells upon the wanton waste of the
beer "ready to tun up." The loss of the beer was what sorely
grieved him ; little did he care for its value, but well did he know
how the enumeration of such act of mere spoliation at the close of his
well stated causes of action, coupled with the relation of the outrage
upon his old, helpless wife, would excite inquiry as to the actual con-
ditions, and afford him some measure of relief and justice.

Upon reading that Jordan was successful in the suit with Cleeve,
the desire arises to know upon what evidence Jordan could have
relied to show title in himself to land which Cleeve was adjudged
entitled to by a court of competent jurisdiction nearly twenty years
before. It will be remembered that Jordan claimed title through
Trelawney. One of the instruments upon which he relied to give
color to his pretension that the Neck was included in the Trelawney
grant, was a certificate by the judges made in 1642 when Cleeve was
in England, concerning whom Winter wrote Trelawney that they
were about to view the lands in question and whom he would attend
"God willinge." It reads: —

"That which Mr. Cleeves and the jury (trial of Cleeve vs. Win-
ter, 1640) took for Casco river to be but a creek into which we saw
but one little brook to run ; but the other (Presumpscot river) which
Mr. Trelawne}^ takes for Casco river to be the river. It hath its issue
out of a great pond named Sabadock ; the river is of a reasonable
depth and breadth ; by relation of the ancient inhabitants and natives
ever to have been called Casco river." The certificate was signed by
Thomas Gorges, Henry Jocelyn and Richard Vines, — with what
reluctance by the first named, we can fairly well imagine.

In this connection is recalled that Sir Ferdinando had sold the
land on the Neck to Cleeve in 1636; in 1642 'he testified (by his
letter to his commissioners), in effect, that the Neck was included in
the grant to Trelawney (of Cape Elizabeth) by the Plymouth com-
pany. Yet in 1635 Trelawney had purchased from Sir Ferdinando
land lying on the coast northerly of said grant and between it and
Casco river, and it is northerly of the river that the Neck lies. Sir
Ferdinando and Trelawney had determined the matter to their ends
and purposes, in England, and the former had issued his orders to
his commissioners. They reckoned without their opponent.

If, in the light of the information which the foregoing certificate
furnishes as to the design of Sir Ferdinando and Robert Trelawney,
M. P., to deprive Cleeve of his land by a device of a judicial proceed-

40 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

ings to accord with the proprietor's instruction to that end, to his
commissioners, whatever the facts, there can blame rest upon George
Cleeve for the course taken by him to circumvent Gorges and
Trelawney, it will be confessed that no better proof is obtainable of
his honorability in the matter. Sir Ferdinando had quite dictatorial
powers conferred upon him b}' charter from the crown for the govern-
ing of his province of Maine, and in this instance he exercised them
b}- directing to be set aside a judgment of a court of the province,
and substituting in lieu of judges his mandatories, and in lieu of law
his positive commands, to further his own and Robert Trelawnej^'s
private interests. To the honor of Thomas Gorges, let it be recorded,
that he refused to act as a mandatory until he received the most
positive direction; then acted thereupon, and left the province.

One of the effects consequent upon the failure of Cleeve to win
his cause of action against Jordan, was to give rise to feelings of
unrest and disquietude upon the part of the grantees of Cleeve rela-
tive to the validit}' of their title to the land which they had purchased
from him; in one or two instances parties secured deeds from Jordan
to such lands. The grantees of Cleeve in Ma}-, 1660, petitioned the
general court for some measure of relief. About the same time the
followers of Jordan forwarded to the general court a protest to the
selection of Cleeve and another to some representative capacity by
the general court, in which it was recited that Cleeve had been
accused of forgerj^ and was on record for breach of oath. This state-
ment clearly had reference to the proceedings in the court held at
Saco in 1645 to give Vines a certificate of good character. Mr.
Willis, the historian, observed that the protest showed on what terms
Cleeve lived with a part of the settlers. It can but be wondered at
that Cleeve managed to live with them on any terms. Did the peti-
tion show the terms on which Jordan lived with the signers thereto?
The latter were Cleeve's neighbors, settlers on the Neck and on land
bordering Casco ba3^ It is noticeable that not a person who signed
the petition, signed the protest of the Jordan faction. Thus there is
instanced the state of affairs, the fury of factional and personal strife
which followed the orderly, and peaceful government when the people
were ruled by the aged Deputy President. Right well does the
changed condition demonstrate the firmness and justice of George
Cleeve as a governor and his capabilitj^ and strength of character
and purpose as a man.

It is quite clear that the petition and protest were but moves on
the part of Cleeves and Jordan respectively, in their legal contest.
No change in civil conditions or property rights had taken place as
the outcome of the decision of the court of associates, or of the peti-
tion or protest, and thus things stood in ver}' bad state when the
eventful ^-ear of 1662 runs its course. Charles II is on the throne
now, and loyal Jocelyn and Jordan imagine a great future in store
for themselves. During that year an effort is made against the
authority of the Massachusetts Bay colony. At the head of the
opposition in the eastern part of the province are the two, and their
supporters in Casco without exception are the signers of the protest.
Their purpose was to set up a government under the proprietorship
of Sir Ferdinando's heir. Thus Fortune plays into the hand of
George Cleeve. In that year he was elected a commissioner for Fal-

GEORGE CLEEVE 41

mouth and his neighbor and fellow-partisan, George Munjo}-, is
elected judge of the associate court. For the first time since its
organization that court is not controlled by Jordan and his partisans.

Trouble ahead there is sure enough for the Massachusetts Bay
colony, and to whom does it look to maintain its authority in the
province of Maine — York county as it is called? To whom, but to
George Cleeve. Past the ninetieth year of his age he is now prob-
ably, but as active and keen and alert as in the prime of hfe. What
an interesting time the reverend gentleman will have when Cleeve
gets his guns into place all along the line! Plenty of time will he
have to meditate in silence, to calculate the value of "beer ready to
tun up." Not only disloyalty to Massachusetts Bay colony but also
slandering its divines, is the reverend gentleman guilty of and must
answer for.

Cleeve fully advised the authorities of the Bay colony of the
movements and plans of the partisans of Gorges. Under date of
November 24, 1662, he wrote them of the furtherance of their plans
to such perfection as the issuance of appointment to office of people
in the several towns, in particular the appointment of John Guy as
constable, whose commission by accident came into the possession
of Cleeve; that he, himself, had read to the congregation at Casco,
the order of the general court and how at other places where the
partisans of Gorges were in the ascendency, its order had been sup-
pressed, and in lieu thereof had been read the king's letter to Gorges
upon which was founded the authority of Joceljm and others to
organize another government and set up the authority of Gorges as
proprietor and of themselves as magistrates under his appointment.
Well does he know the vantage ground of the Bay colony in having
its authority established and recognized in the province. So, espe-
cially does he call attention to the necessity of having a full set of
officers duly sworn, of having the full number of judges of the asso-
ciate court duh' sworn; that there are two judges in open rebellion; that
Mr. Munjoy, the new member, has not been sworn, — must be sworn
for there may be great need of a court, he states. "Now I desire to
know whether I may not administer the oath unto him," are his
exact words; and cannot there be two persons appointed as judges in
lieu of the rebellious two? Certainly Cleeve does not forget the
reverend gentleman of whom he writes, will probably with Jocelyn,
"come to our town to see what they can do there, but my care shall
be to defeate there purposes in what I ma}^" This much only for
Jordan, for Jocelyn is the active one, is doing and saying many
things for a purpose. Of his talk worth the relating is that "two
great friggots' ' are to be sent by the king to compel the colony to
5'ield the province to Gorges; "but" writes Cleeve, "I believe the
ships are not yet built." This long letter he closes with another
a^im concerning Jocelyn; that he "doth trumpet abroad that there
are many discontented in Boston and to the westward, about the
king's letter;" that is, Jocelyn seeks to impress the people of the
province with the view that the people of the Bay colony are much
divided on the question of retaining possession of the province of
Maine. Accordingly Cleeve admonishes the authorities to be on
their guard, as Jocelyn is to "raise a faction amongst us if not
tymely prevented. * * * Who knoweth how great a flame a littell fire

42 BRACKETT GENEAIvOGY

may kindell?" Thus he warns the officials of the Bay colony
against the danger and assures them that he will maintain their
government in the province.

The general court at once took steps to squelch the rebellion in
Maine. Jocelyn and other leaders were arrested for renouncing
their allegiance to the Bay colony. The Rev. Mr. Jordan was deemed
guilty of other offenses. He was an Episcopalian clergyman, was
outspoken in his opposition to the Independent church and denounced
in unsparing terms the saints, divines, and the civil officials of the
Bay colou)^ — greater crimes in the estimation of said officials and
ministers than were his acts of rebellion. At the July term of the
court in 1662, he was tried on six indictments: for saying that Rev.
John Cotton (dead for twenty years) was a liar, had died with "a lie
in his mouth," had gone "to hell with a pack of lies;" for calling
the governor of the Bay colony a rogue, and others of its officials
"traitors and rebels against the king;" for "swearing commonly by
the eternal God;" the fourth charge was for "breach of oath of a free-
man" and of fidelity taken to the government of the Bay colony, as
to which offense the record of the court reads — "Mr. Jordan his
actions make manifest the truth of this charge." Also he was tried
for being "an usual liar and for raising and fomenting lies," and the
court record reads — "Proved." Among the witness against him
were George Cleeve and Anthony Brackett. To Boston was taken the
reverend gentleman and lodged in jail. The punishment was not new
to him, for he was confined in the jail at Boston in the year 1654. It
has not been learned what was his supposed offense or where he had
committed it; in 1654 he was a citizen of Ligonia.

With Jordan in jail and Cleeve a member of the general court,
there was a prospect of the latter securing some measure of relief on
his petition, from the judgments rendered against him in the county
court, of which Jordan, at the time, was one of its judges. Fast and
furious were the blows which the ould Cleeve had struck. Jordan
had met with about the same success as had other persons in attacks
on Cleeve. As to what was the relief Cleeve secured on his petition
there is no certainty; it appears that the matters in difference
between him and Jordan, were referred by the general court to the
county court for further proceedings; the records of the county court
do not disclose their outcome; the records for the July term in 1664,
held at York, show pending between Cleeve and Jordan two actions;
one brought by Cleeve for damages, the other by Jordan "for detain-
ing a hog." In each suit there was default by both parties. It is
inferred that they had adjusted their difference, perhaps by arbitra-
tion; that Cleeve secured about all that had been taken from him, had
recovered damages and one hog in excess. Otherwise the writer is
unable to account as to how one of Jordan's hogs managed to get on
the north side of Casco river. No further attempt was made by jK/t
dan to contest the title of Cleeve to any of his grants; he never s.'*
ceeded in acquiring possession of any land on the Neck.

Jordan, Jocelyn and their associates had miscalculated in that
the province of Maine would be restored to the heir of Gorges. In
1664, commissioners from the king arrived in Boston, and in 1665,
they organized a government for Maine independent of the Bay colo-
ny and Gorges, who were rival claimants as proprietors of the

GEORGE CIvEEVE 43

province; this government lasted until 1668, when it <; ^llapsed for
want of partisans to sustain it. In 1665, Cleeve with others living in
Falmouth signed a petition to the crown setting forth the several rea-
sons why the government by the Bay colony should be restored over
the province and continued. Certainly there was no catering upon
his part for favors; he knew not how to be either deceitful or
ungrateful. However, he appears to have gotten along fairly well
with the new government; his purposes were well served by any gov-
ernment that let him alone and what rightfully belonged to him.

Cleeve had a servant, Thomas Greensledge by name. Not every
person about the bay was able to own a servant; hence, it is inferred
that Cleeve was not so straitened in a financial way as some have
thought that he was. This Thomas, probably, was a convivial soul,
dearly loved his aged master and was in turn loved by him; had
troubles of his own, did this Thomas, which imbroiled him with the
ofl&cers of the law, as is to be inferred from the following taken from
the records of the term of court held in July, 1666. "Mr. George
Cleeves binds himself in a bond of ^20 with our soverign lord, the
king, to be of good behavior towards all men, especially towards such
who at any time shall be ordered by authority to inflict punishment
upon his servant, Thomas Greensledge, for. his disobedience or
disorders."

No person who had befriended Cleeve even in his old age, had
cause to complain, when in trouble, of indifference on his part.
Cleeve was past the age of ninety years in 1666. It is probable that
he had shielded Greensledge from arrest on some trivial charge;
hence, the bond.

Again we find mention of his name in the records of the Novem-
ber term of the court, year 1666, as plaintiff in a suit to recover on
account. No later public record of the time affords further informa-
tion concerning him. It is thought that he died soon after Novem-
ber, 1666.

Cleeve, perhaps, was irascible and quick tempered, and on occa-
sions used harsh language. It was his lot to become involved in the
most trying of all affairs connected with business, that of intermina-
ble litigation, and to have for opponents unscrupulous men of means
and power. That he should lose his temper and soundly berate them
and theirs, are nothing to be surprised at. He was inclined to live in
peace with his neighbors, and he had a very quarrelsome and greedy
few among them. That he was neither quarrelsome nor litigious, is
shown by the fact that for the twelve years under Rigby's proprietary
government he was at peace with all men, and during those years
there was no person in the province who had more power and influ-
ence than he. When he had succeeded in establishing the govern-
ment of Rigby, instead of harrying his opponents, he at once associ-
ated Jordan and Jocelyn with him in governing the province. Cleeve
was never justly charged with deserting a friend, nor is it true that
he was treacherous or ungrateful. On the contrary, he was entirely
trustworthy and honorable in all his dealings.

As a specimen of what Cleeve could do in the line of berating,
the following is submitted: In 1663, one Francis Small was indicted
for saying "in open court that Mr. George Cleeve was a traitor &
that he would prove that sd Cleeve sayd that ye king was an Athist,

44 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

a papist anc a dammed wretch in hell, with other uncivil speeches."
In the record of the court one can read — "It was proved in court
that Mr. Cleeve so spake." Charles I was "ye king." There is still
some doubt as to what place he did go. Also the records show that
in 1641 it was directed that Cleeve should "christianly acknowl-
edge" his fault for having spoken (some eight years prior) of the
wife of John Winter as a drunken woman, before the court, and
"afterward to Mrs. Winter." Action was brought for slander, but
no damages were assessed.

W^e know his life full well from the time he came to America,
and knowing so many good and noble things of him, we can reason-
ably overlook his faults, such as we have learned of. Of his earlier
life or of his ancestry, nothing has been discovered. He was prob-
ably past the age of fifty-five years when he came to America in 1630.

It can be truthfully said of him that for native ability, no man in
the province surpassed him; for honorability in his dealings and for
steadfastness of principle and purpose, no man in the province was
his peer.

In 18S3, an elegant granite monument was erected to the mem-
ory of George Cleeve, on the eastern slope of Munjoy Hill at the
eastern terminus of Congress street. It is the gift of Payson Tucker,
Esq., to the city of Portland.

Two hundred fifty years ago, near its site, perhaps could be seen
on a clear and pleasant day, the herculean form of the man in whose
memory the monument is erected, with hand shading his brow as he
strained his vision to see the limits of his vast domain which bor-
dered on the most beautiful of all of the island-gemmed bays on the
coast of Maine. In the present time, there are few successive minutes
in a day when descendants of his are not passing over its waters to and
from his beloved Casco. As they glide over the bay, if they choose,
they can see where, or near to where, he stood and looking, also may
honor his memory with a thought. Let them think of him as Port-
land's first settler. If to this they object because the distinction
was by chance, then let them think of him as the Deputy President
of lyigonia. If this does not please them for the reason that the hon-
or was but the gift of his fellow-men, then let them think of him as
the George Cleeve who "would be tenant to never a man in New
England."

The Christian name of his wife was Joan. Nothing is known as
to her ancestry. From a statement made by her husband, it appears
that she was eighty-seven years old in 1662. Cleeve had one child,
Elizabeth, who married Michael Mitton about 1637, in which year it
is thought that he, Cleeve's wife and daughter arrived in America.
Mitton came from a very ancient and honorable family in England,
where to-day the name is not uncommon. He found America much
to his liking; game and fish there were in abundance. Nor did he
miss the sport of relating a good stor)^ as the following shows:

"One, Mr. Mitton, relating of a triton or merman which he saw
in Casco bay. The gentleman is a great fowler and used to go out
with a small canoe, and fetching a compass about a small island,
there being many islands in the bay, for the advantage of a shot, he
encountered with a triton, who laying his hand upon the side of the

GEORGE CIvEEVE 45

canoe had one of them chopped off with a hatchet by Mr. Mitton,
which in all respects was like the hand of a man. The triton pres-
ently sunk, dying the water with his purple blood and was seen no
more" (see Jocelyn's Voyages).

This adventure was supposed to have occurred earlier than 1639.
During that year it was related to the tenderfoot voyager, John
Jocelyn, brother of Henry Jocelyn of Black Point, with sly nods and
winks to the others present who, in their turn, were to relate similar
yarns, each to do his best and make his wonder surpass the others;
all of which Jocelyn faithfully records and serves to his readers in
a chapter "On Wonders." Not the least of them is, when, on the
morning of September 24, 1639, the guest parted with his gentlemen
friends who had assembled at Richmond island, and sailed for Massa-
chusetts, thence to England, and Captain Thomas Wonerton of Pis-
cataqua, "drank to me a pint of kill devil, alias rhum at a draught."
The gentleman of the triton adventure was not the one to miss the
bout. He watched the "Fellowship" on which stood Jocelyn waving
his farewell, until it was lost to his view; then with gun and canoe he
pursued his way to the mouth of Casco river and up its waters he
paddled his course to the forest shaded cottage on its bank.

Mitton was a large land owner. In May, "1650, he became the
owner of Peaks island under a grant from Alexander Rigby, and in
January, 1650, of one hundred acres adjoining his dwelling house
which Mitton "had possessed for ten years." Cleeve deeded to him
in May, 1658, a tract on the northeast side of Casco river "to begin
at the now dwelling house of said Mitton" which extended to Back
cove and included the upper portion of the Neck. These several
tracts except the one of a hundred acres, were recovered by the Mitton
heirs, and include the portion of Portland owned by the Bracketts in
a later day. As early as February, 1651, Cleeve contemplated the
deeding to Mitton of all his large estate in Falmouth "now in posses-
sion of me the said Cleeve and other of my tenants;" a part consider-
ation was that Mitton was to maintain, provide and care for Cleeve
and his wife. At the time Cleeve had parted with but little of his
land. His intention was not only to confer upon Mitton all his land,
but also all his personal property, "cattle as well as cows and calves
and steers and swine, young and old." Cleeve was well adv^anced in
years and looked to a life of repose for the remainder of his days.
However, he changed his plans to good purpose and for just cause it
is thought; a life of repose he never led. It does not appear that
Cleeve deeded to Mitton any considerable portion of his estate until
after Falmouth became a part of the Bay colony, at which time
Cleeve disposed of quite all of his lands.

There has been considerable discussion as to where was Mitton's
place of residence. P'rom what Mr. William Willis wrote, it would
appear that he always lived on the Neck. Other evidence shows that
he resided for a time on the southerly side of Casco river, on the
Widgery farm in Cape Elizabeth. The deed to Mitton by Rigby in
January, 1650, of land adjoining Mitton's dwelling house which he
had "occupied for ten years," would indicate that he had lived on
the southerly side of Casco river for that period. Rigby owned no
land on the Neck, hence it is thought that Mitton could not have
dwelt on the Neck during those ten years. The deed of one hundred

(

46 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

acres which he made to Mitton in January, 1650, was not at Clark's
point, as has been stated by some writers, but was on the southerly
side of Casco river. Mitton probably had lived on that side of the river
on land claimed by the Rev. Mr. Jordan, perhaps a tract granted to
Mitton by Cleeve as agent for Rigby. In August 1660, Mitton released
to Jordan all claims to land which he had on the southerly side of the
river, in consideration of Jordan releasing such title to him as Jordan
claimed to have in lands on the Neck deeded by Cleeve to Mitton.
However, it is thought that about 1658, when Cleeve deeded to Mitton
the large tract on the upper part of the Neck, Mitton removed to
that tract to reside. By deposition made March 9, 1 731-2, Josiah
Wallis, then of Gloucester, Mass., formerly of Falmouth, Me., age
seventy years, stated that about fifty-three or fifty-four years ago he
"very well remembers a certain dwelling house on Sandy Point on
the northern side of Fore river in said Falmouth, in which Thomas
Brackett dwelt, which was said formerlj^ to be the house of Michael
Mitton, and I was very well acquainted with the bounds of the said
Michael Mitton's land in Falmouth * * * ."

Mitton was probably an Episcopalian. Under Gorges' proprie-
tary government, established in 1639, he was appointed to the ofiice
of constable for Falmouth. He died between August 25, 1660, and
October 7, 1661. His widow married a Mr. Harvey of whom little is
known. She lived for a time in Boston; about 1680 resided with her
daughter, Elizabeth Clark, and died in 1681.

Mitton, by his wife, Elizabeth Cleeve, had five daughters and one
son. Ann, who married Captain Anthony Brackett, was probably
the oldest; in 163 1, as a witness, she signed a deed made by her
grandfather, George Cleeve, to her father. Sarah married James
Andrews, born in Saco in 1635, son of Samuel; he was of I^ondon
and died in 1638; his widow married Arthur Macworth of Falmouth.
James survived his wife Sarah, and married a second time; during
the Indian wars he removed to Boston; his son James married in
Boston, his cousin, Elinor Brackett, daughter of Capt. Anthony and
wife Ann Mitton, and died before 1705. Martha Mitton married
John Grove; he first lived in Kittery, Me.; about 171 2, he removed to
Rhode Island; was a Quaker. Elizabeth Mitton was born in 1644.
In 1735, she was living in Boston and made a deposition in which it
is recited that she was ninety years old. About 1662, she married
Lieutenant Thaddeus Clark; he had a fair education; held several
important civil positions and accepted office under Andross; was asso-
ciated with the Tyng-Davis faction; was killed in May, 1690, while
gallantly leading a charge on the French and Indians at Falmouth.
Their daughter, Elizabeth Clark, married Colonel Edward Tyng, a
member of Andross' council; he was captured by the French, carried
to France where he died; daughter, Elizabeth Tyng, married a brother
of Dr. Franklin; other children were Edward, Jonathan and Mary.
Mary Mitton, who married Thomas Brackett, was perhaps the young-
est daughter. Nathaniel Mitton, Jr., was killed by the Indians at
the house of Captain Anthony Brackett, August 11, 1676; he was
unmarried.

CHAPTER II.

ANTHONY BRACKETT, THE IMMIGRANT,
OF PORTSMOUTH.

Nearly all persons by the name of Brackett who reside in the
States of Maine and New Hampshire, and persons residing elsewhere
whose forefathers of that name lived in either of those States, descend
from the immigrant, Anthony Brackett of Portsmouth. In 1640, he,
with several others who lived in the present limits of Portsmouth, or
in the vicinity, signed a deed for a glebe; he settled in New Hampshire
several years prior to 1640. There is also mention of a William
Brackett as a settler near Portsmouth at as early, if not at an earlier,
time than is known that Anthony Brackett came to America.
Whether William and Anthony Brackett are identical in person, or
whether Anthony was son of William, or was any kin to him, are
matters of speculation and conjecture.- The uncertainty, or lack of
certainty, upon these subjects, as well as pertaining to the time and
in what capacity, Anthony Brackett came to America, make of inter-
est in these connections, the early history of the first settlement in
New Hampshire, as it sheds all the light we have on these questions;
also said history is of interest to us, as at the place where the settle-
ment was made, Anthony Brackett there dwelt all his life from the
time of his coming to America, a period of over fifty-five years.

One David Thomson, a Scotchman, in the spring of 1623, made
the first permanent settlement in New Hampshire, at a place called
Little Harbor, near the mouth of the Piscataqua river, on its south
side. In the year 1622, he entered into an agreement with some mer-
chants of Plymouth, England, who had obtained a lease for a term o
five years, of a tract at the mouth of the Piscataqua river as a site for
fisheries, to superintend their enterprise, and during the following
year, in the bark "Jonathan," came to America with the men in the
employ of the merchants. At I^ittle Harbor he erected fish-stages
and built a house; remained there during the term of the lease; then
removed to the island in Boston harbor, which bears his name, and
died there in the year 1628. When is considered that there is proof,
by tradition, that the early immigrant Bracketts were Scotchmen, the
fact is of moment that the leader of the first colonists to New Hamp-
shire who settled where Anthony Brackett lived, was himself a
Scotchman, and gives rise to the conjecture that the first Brackett in
America came as early as 1623, with Thomson.

Soon after, or about the time of the departure of Thomson from
Little Harbor, the enterprise passed into the hands of the Laconia
Company, an unincorporated association, of which Sir Ferdinand©
Gorges and Capt. John Mason were members. Its patent from the
council of the New England company bears date November 17, 1629.

48 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

The company sent to America in the bark "Warwick," which sailed
from London the last of March, 1630, and arrived at the Piscataqua
river the first of June following, colonists with Captain Walter Neal
as governor. They took possession of the works and house at Little
Harbor. At Strawberry bank, within the limits of the city of Ports-
mouth, was erected in 1632 a large frame house sometimes referred to as
the manor house. The enterprise was not a financial success for the
proprietors; there were charges of bad faith as to the conduct of the
stewards or superintendents; at the end of the third year the Laconia
company decided to suspend further operations until Captain Neal
returned to England and reported the condition of its affairs in Amer-
ica. Neal left for England in August, 1633. His report to the com-
pany was followed by proceedings to wind up its affairs, and its
factor, Ambrose Gibbons, was directed to discharge the hands and
pay them off in beaver. John Mason appears to have secured the in-
terests of the Laconia company and the control of the enterprise at
the mouth of the Piscataqua. In 1634, he sent over more hands.
The lines of business engaged in were fishing, manufacturing salt,
potash, kimber and pipe staves. There is mention of Mason having
sent to the colony in 1634, a saw mill, and one was erected on the
easterly side of the river in the present limits of Maine. In the house
at Strawberry bank resided Thomas Wonerton, one of the members
of the Laconia company and a superintendent for Mason. Edward
Godfrey, who had charge of the fisheries, occupied the house at
Little Harbor. It does not appear that any more men were sent to
the colony by Mason, who died in 1635. His widow sent in 1638, as
her agent, Francis Norton, but it is not mentioned that additional
men came with him.

The plantation did not pay expenses; the estate of Mason was in-
debted to the servants, laborers and overseers for services; at so low
an ebb were affairs and so poor were the prospects, that Norton was
instructed to notify the people to shift for themselves. The employ-
ees seized upon all the property, divided the cattle and other personal
effects, each taking in proportion to his claim and what else he
could; portions of the land were also allotted among them.

When, in 1634, Mason sent a force of employees to the planta-
tion, it came in charge of Francis Williams, who w^as appointed gov-
ernor of the colony; he was chosen by the colonist as their gov-
ernor when the widow^ of Mason, about 1638, dismissed them from her
employ.

The other settlements in the State at the period, were in the lim-
its of the then towns of Dover, Hampton and Exeter; each had its
respective government and were in no way dependent upon or associ-
ated with one another or with other colony. Separately by its choice,
each of these colonies submitted to the jurisdiction of the colony of
Massachusetts Bay, became towns belonging to and a part of that
colony. The last thus to lose its identity was the Mason colony
at the mouth of the Piscataqua; its territor^^ included the present
towns of Rye, New Castle, part of Newdngton, Portsmouth and a
part of Greenland.

There is extant a list of names purporting to be of those persons
whom Mason sent to his plantation as his "stewards and servants."
There are fifty-one names in the list and one of them is William

ANTHONY, THE IMMIGRANT 49

Brackett. They are as follows: Walter Neal, steward; Ambrose
Gibbons, steward; Thomas Comack, William Raymond, Francis
Williams, George Vaugli, Thomas Wonerton, steward; Francis Nor-
ton, steward; Sampson Lane, steward; Henry Jocelyn, steward;
Reginald Furnald, surgeon; Ralph Gee, Henry Gee, William Cooper,
WiUiam Chadborn, Ffrancis Matthews, Humphrey Chadborn, Wil-
liam Chadborn, Jr., Francis Rand, James Johnson, Ant. Ellins,
Henry Baldwin, Thomas Spencer, Thomas Fural, Tliomas Herd,
Thomas Chatherton, John Crowther, John Williams, Roger Knight,
Henry Sherburn, John Goddard, Thomas Furnald, Thomas Withers,
Thomas Canney, John Symonds, John Penley, William Seavy, Wil-
liam Berry, Henry Langstaff, Jeremy Walford, James Wall, William
Brokin, Thomas Walford, Thomas Moor, Joseph Beal, Hugh James,
Alexander Jones, John Ault, William Bracket, James Newt, eight
Danes and twenty-two women.

"Stewards and servants" as used by the author of the list, do
not mean persons of service, but employees of Mason, his overseers
and workmen. Nor were all the persons mentioned sent to America
by Mason. Neal, Joyclyn, Vaughn, Gibbons, Comack, Wonerton,
Godfrey, Raymond, and the Chadbourns were in the province prior
to 1633, in the employ of the Laconia company as factors, superin-
tendents and overseers. At Little Harbor, prior to 1633, were em-
ployed William Cooper, Roger Knight and wife, Ralph Gee, a boy
and William Dernit (the latter not mentioned in the list) . Under
date of July 13, 1633, Gibbons, who resided at Newichawanock
(Berwick, Me.) on the east side of the river, wrote Captain Mason
that Wonerton "hath charge of the- house at Pascatawa" (Little
Harbor) and had with him Williams, Cooper, et al, mentioned above.
It thus appears that Wonerton assumed the charge of affairs at Little
Harbor on the departure of Godfrey. In this letter Gibbons gives
the names of the men employed under him at Newichawanock, none
of whom appear in the list. It may be not significant of any thing;
material, but it is noticeable that the first eighteen names of the list,
with two possible exceptions (Francis Matthews and Henry Gee), are
of those persons who are known to have been in the province prior to
1633, and of four persons employed in a capacity other than laborers
who came later than 1633, viz., Francis Williams, Francis Norton
and probably Sampson Lane and Reginald Fernald.

In letter under date of December 5, 1632, members of the
Laconia company wrote Gibbons, which he did not receive until
June 7, 1633, — "We desire to have our fisherman increased whereof
we have written Mr. Godfrey." x\lso, under date of Mays, 1634,
from Portsmouth, England, Captain Mason wrote Gibbons, "These
people and provisions which I have now sent with Mr. Jocelyn are to
sett upp two mills upon my own division of lands lately agreed upon
betwixt our adventurers." Other men were sent to the plantation in
1634 with Francis Williams who was appointed by Mason as governor
of his colony. Query. Are the remaining names (after the first
eighteen) of the list, of those persons sent over by Mason in 1634?
If so, then it was in 1634 that William Brackett came to America.
There is evidence, however, that Thomas Walford, one of the num-
ber, was not sent to America by Captain Mason; a person by that
name was in Charlestown, Mass., as early as 1628, and was expelled

50

BRACKETT GENEALOGY

from that town in 1631 "for contempt of authority and confronting
an ofiScer." Also, some of the persons mentioned in the list left the
colony prior to the year 1640, in which the deed for a glebe was
made. Neal left for England in 1633; Jocelyn was in Saco in 1637
and Comack and Godfrey were located in Maine at as early a date.
The evidence is certain that the list of names is nothing more, even
if it purports to be, than of those persons who were in the colony at
some period as early as 1630 and as late or later than 1638, some of
whom departed before others came to the colony. The thought
occurs in this connection, how happens it that though Anthony was
a signer to the deed for a glebe in 1640, his name does not appear in
the list. A comparison of the names of the persons who signed the
deed, with those contained in the list, shows that twelve of the
twenty of the former are not found among the latter. The inference,
in the absence of evidence that there were accessions to the colony
from sources other than from Mason, is, that the list is incomplete as
to names of persons who were sent by him to the colony. Anthony
was married about 1635; he was the head of a family in 1640. It
will be observed from such comparison, that instances occur of the
same surnames of persons in the list and as signers to the deed, but
with different Christian names, as Thomas Chatterton in the' list
Michael Chatterton. signer to the deed; Alexander Jones in the list'
John and William Jones, signers to the deed; William Brackett
in the list, Anthony Brackett, signer to the deed. Are we to infer
that in these instances, particularly as to the uncommon names of
Chatterton and Brackett, that the bearers, respectively, of these names,
were no kin to each other? or that errors were made by the author of
the list, in that he wrote William Brackett when he should have
written Anthony Brackett — as Anthony was a married man prior to
1638? Again, if said Bracketts were relatives, and also the Joneses
and the Chattertons, respectively, were related, are we to conclude
that those of such names appearing in the list were respectively fath-
ers whose sons signed the deed, the fathers having died and the sons,
in 1640 or prior, having become heads of families? It is for the
reader to decide for himself relative to these matters; he has before
him all the evidence obtainable bearing on the questions as to about
when Anthony Brackett came to America and as to his relation to,
or his identity with, William Brackett, if there were such a person in
the colony. Respecting the latter all that is known is, that the name,
Wilham Brackett, is given in the list; no further mention is made of
him. If he were the father, or a relative, of Anthony, the latter did
not name any of his children for him. The name does not occur in
the family until later than 1750.

The colony of Mason, known as Strawberry Bank colony (not
called Portsmouth until 1653), came under the jurisdiction of the
colony of Massachusetts Bay in 164 1. The negotiations to this end
lasted about a year. Most of the settlers were Episcopalians, and
were chary of submitting to the rule of the straight-jacket gentry of
the Bay colony, However, as they were guaranteed the rights of
freemen and full liberty in matters pertaining to religion, upon these
terms the union was effected. Francis Williams was governor of the
colony until the union and thenceforth for several years was one of
the selectmen of the town.

ANTHONY, THE IMMIGRANT 51

Mention has been made of the deed for a glebe; by it were con-
veyed to the wardens of the Episcopal church for its benefit and the
benefit of the local clergyman, fifty acres of land in Strawberry Bank
on which then stood the church building; the land now is part of the
city of Portsmouth. The signers to the deed were Francis Williams,
governor, Ambrose Gibbons, assistant, William Jones, Reginald
Fernald, ' John Crowther, Anthony Bracket, Michael Chatterton,
John Wall, Robert Pudington, Henry Sherburne, John Langden,
Henry Taler, John Jones, William Berry, John Pickering, John
Billings, John Wotten, Nicholas Row, Matthew Coe and John

Palmer.

Of the early history of the church little is known; at intervals, a
clergyman for a few years served the people as their pastor. Anthony
was a' member of the church until his death; none of its records of
interest to us are extant, and nothing is contained in the meager
scraps which have been preserved, relative to the history of the col-
ony antecedent to its union with the Bay colony, that afford us any
light as to Anthony or his family. Also, the town records of Straw-
berry Bank (Portsmouth) from 1641 to 1649 are not extant; it is not
known with certainty in what part of the town he resided prior to
1649 However, the evidence we have, warrants the belief that he
lived in the vicinity of I^ittle Harbor and the "Pascatawa" house; its
site was on a peninsula now called Odiorne's point, formed by Little
Harbor on the northeast and a creek on the south side; to the west
was a large tract of salt marsh. It is mentioned that John Berry was
the first settler within the limits of the present town of Rye, near
Little Harbor, "followed by Seavey, Rand and Brackett," in 1635.
It is probable that the persons named were the first to whom as col-
onists land was allotted. It is ventured that the persons who, prior
to 1640, located near Little Harbor, by their choice settled there,
they having been in some capacity connected with the fisheries car-
ried on at the place, and had their habitation there from the time of
their coming to America; that upon the discontinuing of the fisher-
ies they turned their attention to farming and stock raising. From
16^9 until his death it is known that Anthony lived but a mile or so
south of the harbor, west of Sandy beach, on or near the stream.
Saltwater brook, and on Brackett lane, now Brackett road. It is
traditional that he lived near the ocean. , ,j .

In the year 1649 at a meeting of the selectmen, held August 13,
was voted "by common consent" a grant of a lot to "Anthony
Brakit" lying between the lands belonging to Robert Pudington and
William' Berry "at the head of the Sandy Beach Fresh Reiver at
the western branch thereof." , u t

At a meeting of the inhabitants of the town held January 13,
i6s2, a grant of thirty acres was voted to "Anthony Brackite." March
4th following, at a town meeting the selectmen were directed at the
next fit time^' to lay out the land "unto the people of Sandy Beach,
vid. unto William Berry, Anthony Brackit, Thomas Sevy, Francis
Rand and James Johnson." 4.1,^4.0

Under date of March 17, 1653, the town records read that a
grant was made of land near Sandy beach, by the people, unto
James Johnson, of medow 20 ackers; unto Olliver Trimmings, 4
ackers; unto Thomas Sevy, of medow 8 ackers, and upland 8 ackers;

62 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

unto William Berry, of medow unto his ould hous that is by William
Sevy's, 6 ackers; unto Anthony Brakit, upland 30 ackers adjoyninge
unto his hous and of medow 20 ackers more; unto William Berr}^,
from the littell creek next unto Goodman Brakits as much as shall
amount unto ten ackers of medow between the sayd creke and the
creeks mouth upon the south sid thearof, and 4 ackers of *****
wheare he hath alredy ploued upon the north sid of the creek; mor
upland to ajoyn his house upon the necke, 26 ackers; unto James
Rand, medow 8 ackers, upland 20 akers for a lotte."

The foregoing discloses who were the near neighbors of Anthonj^
Brackett. He was granted by the town at meeting held March 20,
1656, "50 acres more land than his former grant to join with his
hous and to lye in such form as it may enclose his hous, so that it be
not in any man's former grant." Also was granted to him February
3, 1660, one hundred acres under provision approved by the people
at town meeting granting such amount of land to each head of a
family "who had come to dwell in the town." A further provision,
approved at the same town meeting, was that thirteen acres of land
should be allowed to each son in a family over the age of twentj'-one,
to each son under that age, if married, and to each daughter over
the age of eighteen years. Under this provision Anthonj^ Brackett,
Jr. was granted thirteen acres and Elinor Brackett thirteen acres.
They were children of Anthony, the immigrant. In all, our ancestor
was granted over two hundred acres of land. The town was so
sparsely settled at the time the grants were made, that the several
grants to each person could adjoin one another and the whole lay in
quite compact form. March 31, 1650, Anthony deeded land and
buildings at Strawberry Bank (Portsmouth) to William Cotton.
This would warrant a surmise that he had lived in Portsmouth prior
to 1650, and when granted land in 1649 he sold his property in Ports-
mouth and removed to Sandy beach in the same town. September
19, 1678, he purchased land at "Sandie Beach from Henry Sher-
burne."

He has usually been designated as "Anthony, the selectman."
In the year 1655, at a town meeting held March 8, Anthony, Thomas
Walford, William Seav3^ James Johnson and John Webster were
chosen selectmen for one year. On July 10 following, three of said
selectmen signed a warrant for collection of a tax to pa}^ the salary
of the local minister, the Rev. Mr. Brown. Thomas Walford signed
by mark thus, "V;" Anthony "Brakit" signed by mark thus, "A."
In February, 1656, a meeting of the selectmen was held. Three of
their number signed records b}- mark, James Johnson signing thus,
"I." All the selectmen except Thomas Webster lived near Sandy
beach. The following 3- ear one only of their number was chosen
selectman, viz., James Johnson. Several 5'ears subsequently Anthony
was again chosen selectman ; mention of the fact will be made in its
proper connection.

The extant town and parish records relative to constable rates
for collection of taxes to pay the minister's salar}', show his name in
the lists for the years 1677 and 1688 ; the tax, eighteen shillings,
which he was assessed for the year 1688, is considerably in excess of
the average amount of tax paid by other townsmen for the purpose.
In 1666 he subscribed ^i, ids, for support of the minister.

ANTHONY, THE IMMIGRANT 53

An industrious man with the prospect of acquiring a home
through moderate efforts, of becoming the owner of a productive
farm situated in a favorable locality near a civilized community,
would have hopes of enjoying the blessings of life, of rising to some
considerable degree of affluence and social standing.

It is safe to venture that the life of Anthony after he settled in
America, was happy, far happier and easier than the lot of any of
his ancestors of whom he had knowledge. Right fortunate he could
consider himself in being the posses.sor and owner of fertile land, part
in natural meadow, near to the sea and in the midst of a growing
settlement. Great were the advantages of reaping the full product
of his labor, not only to himself but to his children whose prospects
in life would be far better than his own, to whom he had hopes of
leaving a fair competence. Yet he had his troubles; they began
when the colony of Strawberry Bank in 1641, became a part of the
colony of Massachusetts Bay. He considered that the authority of
the Bay colony over the town, was usurped power ; that its laws were
contrary to the laws of England. From the year 1641 the new set-
tlers in the town were chiefly Congregationalists, immigrants from the
Bay colony. The control of town affairs beginning about 1657, was
exercised by a few of the wealthier class ; it w.as charged by many of
the old Episcopalian settlers that these few "5 or 6 of the richest men
of the parish had ruled, swayed and ordered all offices, civil and
military, at their pleasure;" that some of the opponents of the few
"though a loyal subject, and some well acquainted with the laws of
England, durst make any opposition for fear of great fines and
imprisonment ;" that they had been under "hard servitude" from the
few had been denied "our public meetings, the common prayer,
sacrements and decent burial for the dead;" also had been denied
the "benefit of freeman ;" that said few had always kept themselves
in office "for the managing of gifts of land and settling them" where-
by the opponents of the few "were not only disabled but also dis-
courao-ed for continuing in the plantation;" that said few had
"taken the greatest part of their lands in the plantation into their
own hands' ' and other ' 'men that had been in the town for many
years have no lands at all given them, and some that had lands given
them " the few who controlled the town "had disowned the grants
and laid it out to others." In 1665 when the King's commissioners
for the settlement of affairs in the colonies, arrived m New Hamp-
shire, to them was presented a petition signed by sixty-one of the
settlers setting forth their hardships and grievances, and praying to
be relieved from Puritan rule. One of the signers was Anthony
Brackett; his signature is his name — not his mark. Perhaps he
hadbeen taught to write by his children. _

Consequent upon the presenting of the petition or as a result of
the unity of effort upon the part of its signers, the affairs of the town
were no longer wholly controlled by the Puritan faction ; it appears
that the old settlers dared to assert themselves. In the spring ot
1667 Anthony was again chosen selectman. It is probable that he
was a courageous, even-tempered, equitable-mmded person, he prop-
er one for the position in time of strife and turmoil, with public
pelf and spoil at stake. We are privileged to presume from the fact
of his election to the office at this eventful period, that he was a man

54 BRACKETT GENEAIvOGY

of note and standing among his townsmen, forged himself well to the
front in time of emergency and ever stood ready with others to bear
the misfortunes that fell to them, or with them share the weal of the
town. No more protests or petitions do we find to 1680. In that
year the government of the Bay colony over the province of New
Hampshire ceased, and a government was organized for it having no
connection with the government of any other province. The new
government was composed of a president and council ; also an
assembly of representatives chosen by the people of the several towns.
Mr. John Cutts, one of the wealth}- few, whose acts w^ere the subject of
the grievances of the petitioners of 1665, was appointed president.
The records of the council for the j^ear 1680 show that Anthony
Brackett, though one of the recalcitrants of 1665, was named by
President Cutts as one of the persons of the town of Portsmouth
qualified to vote for members of the general assembly.

The union of all faction among the people became necessary, in
order to preserve in themselves title to the lands which had been
allotted to them respectively, as against the heirs of Captain Mason
who set up title to quite all the land in the province. The creation
of the new government was a step in the scheme of the Mason heirs
to acquire the lands which they claimed. However, President Cutts
himself was a large landowner under town grants, and an honorable
man ; as the executive of the new government he was not an instru-
ment to subserve the ends of the claimants. Upon his death in 1682,
New Hampshire was made a royal province and Edward Cranfield
was appointed its governor. All power vested in him in such
capacity, he willingly exercised for the purposes of the Mason claim-
ants. Easily can it be imagined how great a tempest a royal gov-
ernor could raise in a province consisting of four sparsely settled
towns, whose purpose was to deprive the far greater portion of the
people, of their lands. Anthony with quite all the settlers, signed a
petition to the king, in which was set forth their grievances, for the
removal of Cranfield as governor. The bearer of this petition was
Nathaniel Weare of Hampton, who carried it to England in 1688.

In Portsmouth, at Sandy beach, in 1658, happened an affair of
interest for the reason that several of Anthony's near neighbors were
the actors ; its interest to us, however, is that our ancestor, so far as
is known, had no connection with it — which fact evidences that he
was a fair-minded, level-headed man, having far more sense than
some of the deluded wretches who were over him in a civil way.
One of his neighbors was accused and tried for witchcraft — the only
case of the kind in the annals of New Hampshire. The name of the
accused was Jane Walford, at the time the widow of Thomas Wal-
ford, the courageous smith of Charleslown ; she was a woman of
considerable means and a great deal of spirit. Her accuser was
Susannah Trimmings, wife of Oliver Trimmings. The evidence was
directed to show that Susannah was bewitched ; that Jane was a
witch and that she bewitched Susannah. All material evidence in
the case was, of course, pure lies ; those invented by Susannah were,
perhaps, prompted by her hatred for her neighbor. One is justified
in the conclusion from what she related, that she was drunk, not
bewitched, and from what others related as to her having been
bewitched, that she continued drunk for some time, and deceived her
husband into the belief that she was bewitched.

ANTHONY, THE IMMIGRANT 55

Susannah Trimmings testified : —

"As I was going home on Sunday night I heard a rustling in
the woods which I supposed to be occasioned by swine, and presently
there appeared a woman whom I apprehended to be old Goodwife
Walford. She asked me to lend her a pound of cotton. I told her
that I had but two pounds in the house and I would not spare any to
my mother. She said I better have done it for I was going a great
journey, but she should never come there. She left me and I was
struck with a clap of fire on the back, and she vanished toward the
in my apprehension, in the shape of a cat * * * ."

Her husband's testimony related to her pretensions as to the
cause of her condition, her complaints and appearance on her arrival
at home after her bout, whatever it was ; that he said to her, the
cause of her condition was her weakness. He probably knew the
truth of what he said.

The witness, Eliza Barton, appears to have told the truth so far
as she knew it, and fairly well described a case of a prolonged drunk.
Her testimony was : —

"I saw Susannah Trimmings at the time she was ill; her face
was colored and spotted." She told deponent her story who said it
"was nothing but fantasy;" that her eyes lopked as "if they had
been scalded."

John Pudington perhaps testified to the truth ; what he related
may have been true. He testified that : —

"Three years since Goodwife Walford came to my mother's. She
said that her own husband called her an old witch, and when she
came to her cattle, her own husband would bid her begone, for she
did overlook the cattle, which is as much to say in our country
'bewitching.' "

Nicholas Row and Agnes Pudington were the brilliant Ananiases
of the affair. Nicholas testified, in substance, that : —

"Jane Walford, shortly after she was accused, came to him in
bed, in the evening, and put her hand upon his breast so that he
could not speak, and was in great pain until the next day. By the
light of the fire in the next room it appeared to be Goody Walford,
but she did not speak. She repeated her visit about a week after
and did as before, but said nothing."

Agnes Pudington deposed in substance as follows : —

"On the nth of April the wife of W. Evans came to my house
and lay there all night; a little after sunset the deponent saw a yel-
low cat and Mrs. Evans said she was followed by a cat wherever she
went. John came and saw a cat in the garden, took down his gun
to shoot her; the cat got up a tree and the gun would not take fire;
afterward the cock would not stand. She afterwards saw three cats;
the yellow one vanished away on plain ground; she could not tell
the way it went."

The magistrates before whom the hearing was held in Ports-
mouth, were two legal luminaries of the Bay colony. The accused
was required to give bond for her appearance at the next term of
court. She gave bond but never was tried. In after years she
recovered judgment against one of her neighbors for calling her a
witch.

56 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

It is to be wondered that any thing in human shape should at
all seriously consider the evidence or the charge. Perhaps it was
that credence was accorded to however unnatural a proposition if it
accorded with one's pretences or served one's purposes; thus such a
one willingl}^ aided in compassing the death of his neighbor, if he
were thereby exalted or revenged. In the trials for witchcraft, mag-
istrates, accusers and witnesses for the prosecution well knew that
one another were liars and hypocrites of the most damnable sort.
The barbarous orthodox}' (?) rampant in that da}' and place, quite
well fitted its votaries for their atrocious hatreds for some of their
neighbors, and for carrying forth their nefarious schemes to deprive
persons obnoxious to them, of their lives. Prosecutions for witch-
craft continued in the Bay colony until the accused pointed the
accusing finger at their accusers, the magistrates and the witnesses,
lied as freely, unconsciously and vociferously as any concerned in
the prosecution, not excepting even Cotton Mather. When the
danger thus threatened the tormentors, there was unity among them
in agreeing that they were all liars and each knew the other to have
been such at all times; thereupon, further prosecutions for witchcraft
ceased.

The settlers of New Hampshire were not involved in any wars
with the Indians prior to 1675. During King Philip's war which
commenced in that year, the resident tribes of New Hampshire
remained on peaceful terms with their white neighbors. However,
in Maine there waged a contest of unabated fury until the Indians
had achieved a complete victory. Thomas Brackett, a son of
Anthony, was killed at Falmouth in August, 1676. The children of
the deceased Avere redeemed from captivity by their grandfather, with
whom three of them abided for several years. It is traditional that
the fourth child, Samuel Brackett, was reared by his aunt, Martha
Grove, who lived in Kittery. Following the treaty of 1678 there was
a period of peace of ten years, when commenced long and desolating
wars. To the east of Rye, across the river, were several settlements
in Maine. So thorough was the devastation wrought by the Indians
and so complete was their triumph, that bands of Indians roamed at
will on the east side of the river, from about 1690. This state of
affairs continued until 1693. Thus that part of the town of Ports-
mouth where resided Anthony Brackett, became the frontier of that
section of the country in which the settlers had not taken refuge in
garrison houses or forts. In the year 1691, war's desolation first
swept over the settlement at Sandy beach. At Odiorne's point was
a garrison house; it afforded the people a place of refuge on the occa-
sion of an alarm of danger. The war had raged for three years but
no attacks by the Indians had been made on this settlement. To
make an attack from the most favorable direction, it was necessary
for the Indians to cross the river in canoes, and row along the coast for
a considerable distance to a place suitable for landing. So successful
had been the Indians in the war that they were able to travel for
many miles through a country, which, prior to the war, had been
dotted with prosperous and growing settlements, and where, in 1691,
there was not a white man to stay their progress or to give the alarm
on their approach. Not a barrier existed between the devoted settle-
ment at Sandy beach and the victorious red men.

ANTHONY, THE IMMIGRANT 57

The blow fell on Tuesday, September 28, 1691. On that day
were killed Anthony Brackett and his wife; also, on that day were
made captives two children of his son, John Brackett.

The Indians effected a landing, perhaps, to the south of I^ittle
Harbor, and from there directed their attack on the settlers at their
homes, situated on what was then known as Brackett lane, now
Brackett road. Fifteen bodies of the slain were found and it was
thought that at least three persons were consumed in the burning of
the houses. The Indians killed one or more small children by dash-
ing out their brains against a large rock which stood on what is now
Wallis road, near Brackett road. It is traditional that for many
years the rock bore the stains of the blood of the victims; the rock
has long since been removed in improving the road.

The stor}^ of the attack as told by an ancient chronicler is as
follows : —

"The sons of Francis Rand went a fishing ; the sons of ould
Goodman Brackett were in the salt marsh and with no suspicion of
danger. The settlers went about their usual vocations. Early in
the afternoon a party of Indians came from, the eastward in canoes,
landed at Sandy Beach, left the garrison there unmolested, and
attacked the homes of the defenseless ones, killing and capturing
twenty-one persons. Among the killed was Francis Rand, one of
the first settlers. When his sons came in from fishing they followed
the Indians over to Bracketts, fired upon them and frightened them
away. The sons of Anthon}^ Brackett who had the guns with them
ran to the garrison at Odiorne's Point."

The garrison house was the place to which the people fled for
safety in the event of an attack by the Indians. The persons referred
to in the account as the "sons of Anthony Brackett" were John and
Joshua Brackett, the latter a grandson of Anthony. They were in
the salt marsh near to the garrison house, and hastened there with
their arms as directed to do in case of an attack, to defend those ^vho
had escaped the Indians. The attacking force, estimated at from
twenty to forty, probably exceeded those of the settlement capable of
bearing arms. If the garrison house was taken all were lost — con-
signed to death or captivity ; hence, the precaution of the assembling
of the armed men at the garrison house to defend it and the aged, the
women and children who fled there for safety against the attack of
the remorseless and vigilant foe.

Fugitives fled to Portsmouth, and Capt. John Pickering with the
local militia hastened to the scene but did not arrive until after the
Indians had made their escape with their captives. No less than
fifteen persons were slain ; their bodies were gathered in one place
and buried in separate graves.

Sandy beach, in the town of Rye, is about four miles south of
the city of Portsmouth. It is now a delightful drive from Portsmouth
to the beach along a fine country road bordered by profitable farms
well kept in a good state of cultivation ; there are fine shade trees
and abundant orchards along the way ; the country thereabouts is
level and the soil is a rich loam. There is an electric car line
through Portsmc th. Rye and Hampton. The people of Rye owe a
large part of thei prosperity to the great number of summer boarders
who flock there ai ually. Straw's point and Concord point are now
covered with sumt er cottages. The New Hampshire State boule-

58 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

vard, which is now being built along the coast, will pass along Sandy
beach on land between the beach and the spot where the remains of
Anthony, the immigrant, are buried. As to this place, Mrs. Grace
Brackett Scott, of New Market, thus writes about it : —

"Next we drove to Rye and found Saltwater brook ; close by it,
between Brackett road (which was the first road laid out through
Rye) and the sea, in the salt marsh, is a little piece of higher ground
covered with bushes ; on parting the bushes we found the rough
stones which mark the graves of our ancestor, Anthony Brackett,
and fourteen other victims of the same massacre. The fifteen graves
entirely cover the little knoll which is entirely surrounded by the
salt marsh. My brother remarked that Anthony could not have
chosen a surer resting place forever to lie undisturbed by the hand of
man. Surely no use will ever be made of that spot unless it becomes
necessary for the people of Rye to make more land, in which event
those remains will be covered deeper.

Saltwater brook is a small stream ; a man can step across it ; two
narrow planks bridge it for the carriage road ; it is between Concord
point and Straw's point ; Concord point is the same as Sander's point
and Straw's point is the same as Jocelyn's neck or Locke's neck."

Frequently it happens that men in the anticipation of death, or
of other unforeseen and unexpected direful happening, unknow-
ingly make preparation for such calamitous event or make manifes-
tations in some way of their prescience of their fate. But a few days
before his death, viz., on September ii, 1691, Anthony Brackett
executed his will. It reads as follows : —

"In the name of God, amen. Ye nth day of Sept., 1691.

I, Anthony Brackett sen'^, being in perfict memory doe make
this my L,ast will & testament, Comiting my soul unto the hands of
my Redemer, the Lord Jesus Christ & my body to the earth.

Itim : I give and bequeath to m}' daughter Jane hains, fouer
acors in part of marsh, being more or Les, which shee formerly made
use of, and so upward to ye head of ye cove, and to young oxsen,
Affter my desece.

Item : I give and bequeath that three acres of marsh mor or
Les, being at black poynt, to my daughter, Ellener Johnson, which
marsh I have a deed I do assign over to my daughter, EHenor, and
she to take it into her possestion Affter my desease.

Item : I give and bequeath unto my grandaughter kasia bracket
three cows to be payed at age of Eighteen years or day of marridg.

I give to my grand daughter Roose Johnson on heffer.

I give to my grand son samuel bracket one heffer, all the Rest of
my cattle and sheep I doe give to be Equally devided among the
Rest of my gran Children of what is Leffe Affter my wiffs deseac. I
doo here ordain & make my sonn John Bracket, Executor of this my
Last will & testament and him to pay all my Just debts & togather
all debts which is Justly dew unto me. my housall goods I Leve
with my wiff for hur one use. to this I set my hand.

Anthony Bracket
Witnesses A

Nathaniel drack , by his mark

John Lock present

r -ajor vaughn
portsm^^ ye nth of July 1692. JLr. Rich, m arty n

ANTHONY, THE IMMIGRANT 59

John Lock came and made oath that hee was present & saw
Anthony bracket sign & did declare the above wretten to be his Last
will and Testament & that hee was of a well desposing mind at same
time ; also testefyeth that Nathanel drack was present & set his hand
as a witness. John Pickerin, Record''-

The testator disposed of but little real estate by the will; on
July 20, 1686, he deeded his farm and buildings at Sandy beach to
his son John, — "grandson Joshua to be paid a portion" after decease
of himself and wife. It will be observed that he remembered all his
several grandchildren in his will though he named but three, perhaps
his favorites. He lived to a ripe old age; sad was it, indeed, that
his lot, and that of his aged wife, was not to pass quietly away sur-
rounded by his children and grandchildren, instead of being mur-
dered by persons whom he never had harmed, and who, probably,
would never have harmed him or his, had they known him. Issue :

1. Anthony, Jr. See chapter III.

2. Elinor; mar. 26 Dec, 1661, John Johnson. Issue:
1st. John, b. 2 Nov., 1662.

2d. Rosamond, b. 10 June, 1665.
3d. Hannah, b. 7 Feb., 1670.
4th. James, 13 Nov., 1673.
5th. Ebenezer, b. in 1676.

3. .Thomas. See chapter IV.

4.'^ Jane; mar. (ist) 19 Apr., 1667^ Mathias Haines; (2nd) 28
Dec, 1671, Isaac Marston, b. 1650, d. 1689. Issue:
'1st. Samuel, b. 22 Dec, 1674.
2d. Joshua, b. 3 Apr., 1678.
3d. Mathias, b. in 1679.
4th. Jane.
5. John. See division I.

CHAPTER III.

CAPTAIN ANTHONY BRACKETT OF FAL-
MOUTH.

It is highly probable that Captain Anthony Brackett, son of
Anthony, the immigrant (see chap. II), was born in Portsmouth,
New Hampshire; the year of his birth is not known. On Jnly 14,
1657, at Kxeter, New Hampshire, an Anthony Brackett took the
oath of freeman; the date well accords with the time when Captain
Anthony became twenty-one years old; nothing further is known as
to his residence in Exeter. With certaint}^ is it known that he was
past his majority in 1660; in February of that year he was granted
thirteen acres of land by the selectmen of Portsmouth, under a pro-
vision of a law of the town authorizing the allowance of that amount
of land to the sons of settlers who were then twent3'-one years of age.
In 1662 he was in Casco, Me.; on June 3d of that 3^ear he witnessed
the deliver}' of possession to Hope x\llen of what was known as the
Bramhall farm. Until his death twenty-seven years later, he was a
resident of Casco, or Falmouth, where he achieved prominence in
public affairs second to no person of the town, and in the extreme
danger of the dCvStruction of the settlement, was one of the leaders of
the inhabitants and their choice for captain.

Direct!}' upon his advent in Casco he became involved in the
political strife which rent its people in factions. Cleeve was weaving
a net about the unfortunate Jordan, who at that time was well within
its meshes and giving vent to invectives against certain learned
deceased saints of the Bay colony, in particular the Rev. John Cotton,
then dead some twenty-odd years. His shrieks reached the ears of
Anthon}' who. Episcopalian though he was. must be a witness against
the Rev. Robert Jordan on the charge, made by the officers of the
Bay colony, of sacrilege in denouncing St. Cotton for a liar, etc.; this
in 1663. The following year he was chosen constable. In the year
1665 the government of the Bay colony was superseded by one inaug-
urated by the king's commissioners, which continued until 1668.
There is no evidence that he held office under the latter government;
it appears that he was one of the four trial jurors for Falmouth, of the
court of the justices of the peace of the several towns held at Fal-
mouth (Casco) in July, 1666. At this term of the court one James
Robinson, was tried for the murder of Christopher Collins and
acquitted, the jur}% of which Anthony was one, finding that Collins
was "slain by misadventure and culpable of his own death."

There was no party in the province to sustain the government
of the king's commissioners; upon the return of the commissioners to
England in 1668, a troop of horse and foot in the service of the Bay
colony invaded the province, ousted Henry Jocelyn, the judge of the
court, "from off the bench," the assistants also, imprisoned the officers
of the militia and threatened quite all who opposed the interests of the

ANTHONY, OF FALMOUTH

61

Bay colony, whose government was reestablished. Would that the
onld Cleeve had witnessed the performance! Anthony was elected
one of the commissioners for Falmouth and Scarborough; was per-
haps continued in the office for several years; the scraps of records of
the town are meager on quite all matters from the year 1668 to 1675.

Prior to 1668 Anthony was united in marriage with Ann Mitton;
in that year a child was born to them; they had five children in 1676.
She was deeded one hundred acres of land on Back cove in 1652 by
her grandfather, George Cleeve. Said tract was the nucleus of the
farni^of four hundred acres occupied by Captain Brackett as his dwell-
ing place, and in recent years known as the Deering farm. He
received a grant from the town of four hundred acres lying near the
shore of Casco river opposite to the Neck, and bordering on Long
creek. This tract he sold in 1671 to Munjoy. It was the farm on
Back cove which Captain Brackett improved; its situation was highly
favorable for farming and stock raising, comprised of natural meadow
and upland; it was as desirable a tract as any about the bay.

No settlement in the province was the seat of more intense politi-
cal strife in time of peace and of more carnage and devastation in
time of war, than Falmouth; from its first settlement in 1630 for a
period of one hundred years, with but short intervals— notably when
George Cleeve was deputv president,— the inhabitants knew not the
quietude of a thoroughly established government recognized by all
the people. To 1675 the subject of cofitention and fury of factions,
was as to which or what government of this or that proprietor should
be recognized; in that year commenced troubles for the settlers of an
entirely'^different character from what they had experienced; no worse
blight could have befallen them. .

Until 1675 there had been peace with the Indians of Maine.
The eastern Indian was certainly made of better stuff than was his
red brother in Massachusetts. Regardless of whatever fears had the
former of the prowess of the Mohawks, he had a contempt for the
fighting qualities of the English settler. The pilgrim or other adven-
turer who, upon landing in Maine, after the manner of those who
landed upon Plymouth rock, first stopped to fall upon his knees before
he fell upon the aborigines, was more apt to take another fall and
remain prone than he was to rise again. The Enghsh m New Eng-
land outnumbered the Indians engaged in the war m Maine, forty
to one; with these Indians a humiliating treaty of peace was made.
Hostihties were commenced by the Indians. It is not known that
there was anv Dreconcert on their part with the braves of King Philip,
in waging wa/; but the settlers of Maine were directed by the authori-
ties of the Bay colony to pursue that high-handed course towards
their red neighbors which was its course towards the friendly tribes in
Massachusetts; hence, the mistake was made in attempting to disarm
a foe with whom thev were not able to cope. At the northern end of
Casco bav in September 1675, a small party of Indians were attacked,
of whom' one was killed and two were wounded; the attacking torce
was worsted. Forthwith the Indians made assauhs on all outlying
settlements, and quite generally were successful. Many of the people
left the province. During the following winter the Indians offered
terms of peace after having continued in their attacks until the deep
snow had hemmed them in their villages. At the commencement of

62 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

the year 1676, the people of New England had before them a gloomy
future; nearly all the neighboring tribes were at war with them;
therefore, there was little hesitancy in making peace with the victori-
ous sagamores of the tribes in Maine. It continued until August
1676, to the day before the great chief, King Philip, was slain, viz.
Aug. II, when hostilities were renewed by the striking of a blow
at Falmouth, ever to be remembered by the descendants of Captain
Brackett and his brother, Thomas.

The historians of the time have recorded in detail all the inci-
dents as to the inception of the attack and have interwoven many
things their fancy or misinformation supplied ; so, we have a mingling
of fact and romance as to what befell Captain Brackett and his
family.

During the waning fortunes of King Philip, some of his veteran
warriors sought refuge in New Hampshire with the friendly Penacook
tribe, by whom they were surrendered to the English. One of these
warriors, named Simon, was lodged in the jail at Dover, from which he
effected his escape and found his way to Falmouth. He had a forged
passport which was honored there only in a measure, for he was looked
upon as a suspicious character ; messengers were dispatched to Dover
where, perhaps, his passport purported to have been issued, to make
inquiries concerning him. He was placed in charge of Captain
Brackett during his stay at Falmouth. On August 10, before the
return of the messengers, a cow belonging to Captain Brackett was
killed. Simon volunteered to apprehend the Indians who had killed
the cow, and was allowed to depart from the house for that pretended
purpose. It should be remembered that the settlers were very careful
not to give any offense to the Indians, who had so lately proven them-
selves very formidable antagonists, and that, at the time, the authori-
ties of the Bay colony and the Indians were treating for a continuance
of the peace. Under these conditions, it can with reason be accounted
as to why Captain Brackett permitted Simon to leave his house. On
August II, 1676, Simon returned with a party of Indians and informed
Captain Brackett that these Indians were the ones who had killed his
cow ; they at once seized all the guns in sight and took him, his wife,
negro servant, and family, prisoners. Nathaniel Mitton, his wife's
brother, who was in the house and offered some resistance, was
instanth' shot. Simon asked Captain Brackett if he preferred to go
wnth the Indians, or to be slain; he answered, 'Tf the case was so,
he had rather chose to serve them than to be slain by them." (Hub-
bard's Indian Wars, p. 293.) It is probable that the account con-
tained in the cited authority as to the colloquy between the Indian,
Simon and Captain Brackett, is based on the latter' s narrative of the
same. Upon effecting this capture the Indians divided ; part went to
the Neck to kill and plunder ; the rest passed around the cove to the
Presumpscot river, attacking the settlers in their course. The cap-
tives were conducted to the north side of Casco bay. The Indians
under Simon, who had the captives in charge, were anxious to share
in the great spoil from the capture of the settlement on Arrowsick
island at the mouth of the Kennebec river. This settlement was
destroyed August 14, 1676.

The captives consisted of Captain Brackett, his wife and children ;
also of members of the families of his neighbors who had lived on the

ANTHONY, OF FALMOUTH 63

shores of Back cove. The Indians, in their haste to join their brethren
who had taken the fort at Arrowsick, sought to disencumber them-
selves of obstacles that impeded their march. The usual method
employed by the Indians in disposing of captives who in any way
proved burdensome or an annoyance, was to murder them. All of
the five children of Captain Brackett were small, were under the age
of ten years, and because of their tender age would delay the progress
of the Indians more than would any of the other captives. On this
occasion Simon, perhaps showed his appreciation of the kindness he
had at some time received from Captain Brackett ; for he, his wife,
children and vServant were left on the shore of the bay, as it is related,
to follow after their captors. However, as it appears that his wife
begged for a piece of meat which was' given them, and as it is reason-
able to suppose that had it been expected they would follow the
Indians, they would have been provided with food, it is hazarded that
Captain Brackett, his wife, children and servant were released to
shift for themselves. Others of their captives, including women and
children, were retained by the Indians. It thus seems probable that
the favor shown to Captain Brackett on this occasion, was in recogni-
tion of some act of his which had won the gratitude of the Indians.

But few of the houses of the settlers were destro3^ed in the attack
of August 1 1 . Though the Indians took with them quite all the
valuables the houses contained, many articles of use remained in and
about the deserted homes. In one of them Ann Brackett found
needles and thread; with these she, her husband and the servant
patched an old birchen canoe until it was sendceable. In this frail
bark, she, the negro servant and children rowed across Casco bay,
some eight or nine miles, to Black point where they were taken aboard
a vessel and carried to "the Pascatawa" (Portsmouth), near to the
very door of the good old grandfather at Sandy beach.

The courage of despair made the timid mother a heroine, the
grief-stricken father to trust his wife and children to the mercies of
the elements in hopes that they may escape the more certain dangers
to their lives if they abode longer with him. No storm, not a billow,
was there to threaten the overloaded canoe; the winds were tem-
pered, for the breeze but fanned the hot brows of its occupants; they
disappeared from the gaze of the anxious father still lingering on the
beach; the stars shed their timely luster to guide them aright; the
tide gently assisted to speed along the frail craft when the wearied
fugitives sighed for rest. And, at last, in sight is a sail, — the crew
answers their signals from afar. Safety and with friends at last!
Justly can this mother be called "an heroic woman." (See Willis'
History of Portland).

The accounts we have as to the escape of the familj^ from the In-
dians, are indefinite as to whether Captain Brackett went with the fam-
ily in the canoe. The historians who wrote of the affair, praise the
courage of his wife for her daring deed in traversing the bay in the
old leaky canoe. From this is inferred that he did not accompany
her and the children. He was skilled in woodcraft, was familiar with
the lay of the country, easily avoided the straggling bands of Indians,
in time reached the garrison at Black point, and thence proceeded to
Sandy beach.

64 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

Ann Mitton Brackett did not long survive her escape from cap-
tivit}'; her death occurred a" Sandy beach about the 3'ear 1677.
Captain Brackett remarried November 9, 1678. Nothing is known as
to his mihtary services during the remainder of the war. A peace
was conckided in April, 1678, by the terms of which the settlers were
permitted to return and occupy their farms, on the condition of each
paying a small tribute to the Indians. In 1679, he was at Falmouth
and during the following year was appointed bj^ the provincial gov-
ernment, commander of the militia of the town with the rank of
lieutenant. From the fact of his selection for this position, it is
inferred that he had won distinction as a soldier during the war.

While the war with the Indians was going on, a complete change
had taken place in the civil affairs of the province; a revolution could
not have effected a more radical one; it not onh'- extended to its form
of government but also to the titles by which the settlers held their
lands, in fact, to the estate the}^ had in their lands.

The colony of Massachusetts Ba}^ claimed, under its grant, as an
integral part of itself, the territor}- in Maine containing the settle-
ments around Casco bay and other settlements along the coast to the
westward and by virtue of its charter, claimed a civil jurisdiction over
said territor}^ In 1676, it was determined b}- the English govern-
ment that no part of Maine was included in the grant to the Bay
colony ; thereupon the colony purchased the grant of said territorj' to
Sir F'erdinando Gorges, from his heir, and under this purchase
claimed the territory and the right to govern the same as a proprietor.
The English government held that the right to govern conferred upon
Sir Ferdinando Gorges, could not be alienated and that said right
reverted to the crown upon the transfer of the territor)^ by its proprie-
tor. When James II became king the charter of, and grant to, the
Bay colony were annulled, and thereupon it was held that the land
also reverted to the crown. The foregoing will serve to enable the
reader to account for the confusion and part}- strife which existed in
Falmouth from soon after the peace of 1678 to the time when the
devoted town was destroyed, and how that it was left to its own
resources to combat a powerful foe.

The Bay colony in 1680 organized a proprietary' government for
Maine ; it consisted of a " deput}' president, council and a general
assembh', the latter composed of representatives from the several
towns. Falmouth did not send representatives to the general assembly
in 1680; the town first sent representatives in 1681, one of whom was
Captain Brackett; he was selected for the office in 1682 and 1683.
In 16S0 and 1681, he was one of the selectmen of the town. In Sep-
tember, 1680, the Deput}' President held court at Falmouth; the pur-
pose was to assign a few acres on the Neck in severalty to each of the
settlers in the town, on which to dwell, that the}- might the more
readil}^ assemble for their own protection. The record of approval by
the selectmen of the assignment of lots, is subscribed thus, "Anthonie
Brackett record." It appears that the dut}- devolved on him during
the years 1680 and 1681, of recording the grants of land made by the
selectmen. Fort Eoyal was erected on the Neck early in 1680, about
or near to which the lots were laid out. In 1682 a proposition was
made by the provincial government to "Eeft. Brackett" to assume its
charge. This offer he probably accepted, as subsequently he was.

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ANTHONY, OF FALMOUTH 65

empowered to impress men to serve under him. At the close of the
year the selectmen relieved a Henry Harwood of the command of the
fort, and the position was offered to "Captain Anthony Brackett" for
the ensuing year. This is the earliest mention of him contained in
the records, as captain.

In 1684, the proprietor, the Bay colony, for the purpose of quiet-
ing title to land and making herself the source from which title to all
land in the territory of Maine was derived, through its government for
the province, deeded all lands in the several towns to trustees
appointed for each town respectively ; among the eight trustees for
Falmouth was Captain Brackett ; in this connection he was associated
with the leading and most influential men of the town. The trustees
in turn made grants to the old settlers, of their former possessions, by
the terms of which, there were reserved to the proprietor, small quit
rents ; these rents became the subject of complaints on the part of the
settlers.

While the proprietary government of the Bay colony continued,
Captain Brackett was one of its loyal supporters, and from it and the
people of the town, he was the recipient of many honors. Said gov-
ernment was to have been superseded in 1684, -by one devised by the
English government, under its view that the charter to Sir Ferdinando
Gorges had reverted to the crown; it was not superseded until 1686,
and then by a government established- by Sir Edmund Andross, who
was appointed b}' the crown governor of all New England. He
ruled Maine with the assistance of a council ; there was no general
assembly or town organizations. It is not known that Captain
Brackett held any office under this government. It has been pub-
lished that when Andross, in 1688, constructed and garrisoned forts at
different points in the province, in charge of the one at Falmouth he
placed Captain Brackett. This is an error. It was an Anthony
Brockholst whom Andross appointed to the position.

The Bay colony had assumed that title to land in the province,
was derived only under her grants. Andross asserted that title to all
land in the province reverted to the crown, through the reversion of
the rights of Gorges to the crown ; in effect, that the titles of the set-
tlers to their lands were invalid ; that, therefore, the settlers must pro-
cure patents to their possessions from the crown. By the process
which he devised for granting patents, exhorbitant fees were charged
for every step in the proceedings. The people were unanimous in
their opposition to the tyrannous course of Andross ; however, division
among them arose from a few of the wealthy and leading men sub-
mitting to it and advising others to do the same, notably, Colonel
Edward Tyng and Captain Sylvanus Davis. The former was a mem-
ber of Andross' council ; against the latter, it was charged that he had
profited through advising the people to procure patents of their lands
and charging fees for his services in securing such patents for them.
The people smothered their rage towards the two while Andross was
in power ; upon his downfall the}^ were the subjects of most violent
opposition by a large faction.

Such was the state of affairs when in 1688, war commenced with
the Indians. Andross knew how to protect the people in time of war
quite as well as he knew how to extort money from them ; he took
immediate and effective steps for their preservation. At the head of

66 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

seven hundred men, amidst the deep snows of winter, he marched
along the coast and left an adequate garrison at every fortified post in
his course. In the spring of 1689 the government of Andross was
overturned' by the revolutionary party in Boston. The Prince of
Orange had landed in England, and James II was a fugitive. Upon
the downfall of Andross, the troops which he had placed in the forts in
Maine, niutineered, deserted, and at some places made prisoners of
their officers. In command of the troops left at Falmouth was a Cap-
tain lyockhart. By some of the people he was charged with having
traitorous communications with the French and Indians. It is pleas-
ing to record that, though these unjust charges against Captain Lock-
hart were made by some of the party of which Captain Brackett was
a leader, and while he, himself, was one of the most active and bitter
apponents of Andross and of those who had in any way been con-
nected with his government in the province, he at once wrote the
leaders of the insurrection at Boston, that there was no foundation
for the charges against Captain Lockhart.

The faction opposed to Colonel Tyng and Captain Davis, bitterly
denounced their course to the insurrectionists, to whom said faction
looked, as arbiters of their causes of complaints against the two. The
leaders of the faction were Robert Lawrence and Captain Brackett.
Messrs. Tyng and Davis were in command of the local military force
by appointment of Andross. Under them the opposing faction
refused to serve ; in May, 1689, they addressed a petition to the insur-
rectionary leaders at Boston, for the appointment by them of Anthony
Brackett as captain and Robert Lawrence as lieutenant. The insur-
rectionists were without authority to make any appointments what-
ever. They did not inform the petitioners of their want of authority
to commission officers to command at Falmouth, but by letter
exhorted the people to bury their differences and unite for their
defence. Under date of June 12, 1689, the opposing faction, through
Robert Lawrence, answered the letter to the effect that they would
serve under Colonel Tyng but would not be commanded by Captain
Davis.

The situation at Falmouth was that the town was without the
protection of a proprietor, or protection from other source, and the
people were hopelessly divided at a time when they were threatened
with extermination by their former victorious foe. August 2, the fort
at Pemaquid across the bay from Falmouth, was taken; the fugitives
sought safety at Falmouth; it was but a question of time when the
French and Indians would be before the town. In June 1689, Cap-
tain Brackett, Robert LawTence and another wrote the insurrection-
ary leaders for immediate assistance and set forth the wretched condi-
tion they were in from want of men and munition. Upon the receipt
of the news of the taking of Pemaquid, the Bay colony saw the need
of action; several companies were dispatched to protect the towns in
Maine, and two of these companies commanded by Captain Hall and
Captain Willard, were destined for Falmouth. In September the ser-
vices of Major Benjamin Church of the Plymouth colony, were
secured; he had won renown in King Philip's war, and now raised
volunteer companies from among his old soldiers, English and
friendly Indians. The latter force was sent by water and arrived at
Falmouth on September 20; Captain Hall's company had arrived

ANTHONY, OF FALMOUTH 67

shortly before. It was known that hostile Indians were on Peaks
island as early as the 17th, that they had received reinforcements
on the 20th. With the Indians were a few French. Fort lyoyal, where
the English disembarked, was on the southerly side of the Neck not
far from where stood the house of George Cleeve. During the night
of September 20th, the Indians left Peaks Island, rowed in a north-
easterly course, entered Back cove and landed to the east of Captain
Brackett's farm.

The accounts of the skirmish which took place on the morning of
the 2ist, contained in local histories, are based on Major Church's
narrative; it gives his personal movements, informs us as to his where-
abouts and what he did on the day, but contains nothing as to his
intended plan of operations against the enemy, if he had any. As
Captain Brackett and his sons took an active part in the skirmish,
and as it was alone due to his foresight and tact that the approach
of the Indians was discovered, and their contemplated surprise of the
English was thwarted, it is believed that an account of the skirmish
will be of interest to the reader.

Either for the purpose of concealing his forces from the enemy, .
upon disembarking after dark, or preparatory to making a movement
against the enemy, which, if it were his intention so to do, he never
made it known. Major Church shortly before daylight marched his
men into the woods about the fort. IMiere they appear to have been
left with scouts out about them, while the major went to the fort to
devise a method of fitting a bullet an inch in diameter for use in a
gun with a bore of one-half inch, the particulars of which he gives
in full detail. He had taken steps to conceal, as far as possible, the
number of his troops from the Indians, if they then knew he had
arrived, and was engaged in getting his ammunition in shape for use.
Nothing is given as to his intended operations; what followed, after
his troops prepared for action — were marched to the woods and con-
cealed— was the unexpected. His movements suggest that he
expected the Indians would attack the fort by coming direct from
Peaks island, which was in sight of his position on the Neck, and
that he had planned to give them a surprise if thej^ ventured to do so.

A glance at a map of Falmovith and Casco bay, will disclose that
an attempt by the Indians to surprise the fort by landing on the
southerty side of Casco river, would be futile; they would be com-
pelled to make a great detour to effect a landing out of view of the
fort, and then to march several miles up the river to effect a crossing
and a like distance on the opposite side of the river to reach the fort;
the distance was too great to be travelled in a night. An attempt
to land on the Neck in canoes could easily be prevented by the forces
there, though it appears that Major Church thought they would make
such an attempt. For the purpose of a surprise, the Indians took the
only course there was for them to pursue with any hope of success;
they succeeded in landing before the break of day within less than
four miles of the fort, and in their advance to the fort from their place
of landing their canoes would be in their rear. That they were not
successful in effecting a surprise, was solely due to the foresight and
military sagacity of one man of the English.

Major Church was directed by the insurrectionary leaders at
Boston to consult on landing at P'almouth, with Captain Sylvanus

Q A S CO

MAP OF FAI^MOUTH AND CASCO BAY.

ANTHONY, OF FALMOUTH 69

Davis, who was recognized by them as in command of the local forces
there, under his appointment from Andross. On the morning of
September 21 (perhaps from as early as the evening of the 20th), Cap-
tain Brackett was at his farm bordering on Back cove; with him were
his sons, Anthony and Seth Brackett, and perhaps his nephew, Joshua
Brackett. He was there on military duty; the danger from attack by
the Indians was too great for him to have resided on his farm.
Whether or not he was at the time under the direction of any officer
in command at Falmouth, is not known. In the report of the losses
sustained by the English in the battle, made by Major Church, he is
not mentioned as belonging to Captain Davis' company. Had the
fact been that he was detailed by Major Church to perform the impor-
tant service he rendered, Major Church would have fully informed us.
The probability is that Captain Brackett was at his farm, pursuant to
his own plan. With certainty it is known that he was at the very
point with a few men, where should have been placed a detachment to
guard against surprise. There, at his house, he was killed in a skir-
mish with the advance of the enemy. His sons and perhaps his
nephew, Joshua Brackett, hurried to the Neck to Major Church and
gave the alarm; then the discovery of the eneiAy was mad eknown to
all the forces on the Neck "by virtue of 12 firings" — presumably 12
muskets were discharged as the signal agreed upon. The sons made
their report to Major Church to the effect that the hostile Indians
"were in their father's orchard." At the time they did not know
that their father was killed; they said he was captured. After the
battle. Major Church reported that Captain Brackett was either killed
or taken. Captain Hall's company was ordered to advance to meet
the Indians who, themselves, upon their discovery, moved forward cau-
tiously and slowly, fearing an ambush; and but a short distance, for
the opposing forces met after Captain Hall's company had forded
Deering creek. The course pursued by Captain Hall from the fort,
was diagonally across the Neck in a northeasterly direction to its
upper portion, to Deering creek which he forded and then formed his
men along its bank. Closely followed Major Church's force and a por-
tion of the local company, which did not cross the stream but formed
along the bank and fired at the Indians over the heads of Captain
Hall's men. So, the battle was fought within musket shot of the
stream. Major Church with his Plymouth soldiers, the English
under Captain Southworth and the Seconit Indians under Captain
Numposh, set out on a flank movement; he marched up the stream
three-fourths of a mile to where there was a bridge. He informed
Captain Hall of his plan, and the enemy too, for he marched in the
plain view of the Indians, his men well strung along, hallooing to
make a formidable showing.

Major Church is under the impression that he is outnumbered
and his efforts are directed to scare away the enemy. When he
reaches the bridge he finds that the enemy have been there and ha^^e
withdrawn (from fear that their line of retreat would be intercepted
by an advance of Captain Hall). Major Church directs Captain
Southworth with his company to proceed down the creek along the
marsh toward Captain Hall's men. With the Seconit Indians, Major
Church continues on his flank attack; moves slowly at flrst, then gets
thoroughly bewildered. His scouts inform him that he, himself, is

70 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

being outflanked, that the enemy are making for the bridge; back
he goes to the bridge, asks the men left to guard it if they had seen
Indians; they answered that they had seen plenty of Indians (they
had not seen a hostile Indian) further up stream, crossing through a
cedar swamp and making for the fort. Double-quick for the fort goes
Major Benjamin, his braves at his heels, to near Clark's point (where
Thomas Brackett had lived) where the cattle are feeding quietly.
These cattle had seen no bad Indians. Round about and back to the
bridge goes Major Benjamin. At the bridge and while on the return
trip, the major hears big guns at the fort — or thinks he does. Big
guns fired at the fort is the signal that the fort is attacked. Of
course there is where the enemy is! Away goes Captain Numposh's
company for the fort, and Major Benjamin hastens to where Captain
Hall is, to follow with the troops there. Captain Hall informs him
that within less than an hour after he had left to go up the stream
to the bridge, the Indians withdrew and had not fired another shot.
Major Church declared that it was the first time the Eastern Indians
had been put to flight, and that they were made to flee "with shame,
who never gave one shout at their drawing off."

The Indians, upon learning that there was a large force on the
Neck, quietly withdrew and left Major Benjamin to war with his
phantasies. It was never known that the Indians experienced any
loss. The English lost ten killed and eleven wounded; the killed
were among Captain Hall's men and the local company; six friendly
Indians were wounded. The deposition of one, B. York, made in.
1759, affords specific information as to the fate of Captain Brackett; it
reads that deponent remembers that "George Bramhall was shot by
the Indians * * * over on Captain Brackett' s farm, and said Brackett
was also killed at the same time at his house at Back cove." The
house of Captain Brackett stood on a ridge a short distance from the
Deering mansion site.

Major Church did not leave Falmouth to return to Plymouth
until November, 1689. On the 13th of that month, shortly prior to
his departure, a council of war was held at Falmouth. There were
present Captains Davis, William Bassett, Simon Willard and Nathan-
iel Hall ; Eieutenants Thaddeus Clark, Elisha Andrews, George Inger-
soll and Ambrose Davis ; Messrs. Elihu Gullison, Robert Lawrence,
John Palmer and others. Absent, Captain Anthonj^ Brackett of Fal-
mouth, but his absence was accounted for. The man capable of suc-
cessfully defending Falmouth, was dead.

The second wife of Captain Brackett was Susannah Drake, b.
about 1652; mar. (2nd) 30 Oct., 1700, John Taylor of Hampton, and
d. 4 Nov., 1719; was daughter of Abraham Drake; he was b. about
1621, resided in Hampton; his wife's Christian name was Jane (she
died 25 Jan., 1676); was son of Robert Drake; he was b. in 1580, in
Devon, England, came to New England in 1643, and d. 14 Jan., 1668.

Shortly after his second marriage Captain Brackett, by deed to a
trustee, settled upon his wife "by way of jointure" in one-half of his
lands "and housing which I have in Casco bay * * * and to be and
to remain to her and her male heirs begotten of her body by me."

There was a dispute between Zachariah Brackett, son by the
second marriage, and the children by the first marriage, about the
title to the farm on Back cove, the latter contending that the land

ANTHONY, OF FALMOUTH 71

belonged to their mother and that their father could not dispose of the
farm. The matter was amicably settled.

Though the births of the children by the second marriage are
recorded in Hampton, they were probably born in Falmouth ; in the
latter place the family resided. Upon Captain Brackett's death in
1689, the widow and her children returned to Hampton ; the children
by the first marriage, except Seth, went to Boston where they married ;
none of the latter ever returned to Falmouth to reside.

Issue by wife, Ann Mitton, not in order of birth.

1. Elinor; mar. (ist) her cousin, James Andrews, son of James,
Sr. ; (2nd) 6 Dec, 1705, Richard Pulling, a widower, of Boston, b.
1665; d. 6 Feb., 1721 ; several times he was licensed to sell liquors;
in 1716 occupied the "Exchange Tavern;" at onetime kept the noted
"Green Dragon ;" upon his death she was granted license ; same year
was admitted into First church ; was living in 1731.

2. Seth, killed by the Indians in May, 1690, at Falmouth.

3. Mary, unmar. in 1717, and living in Boston; later mar.
Nathaniel Witcher of Salisbury.

4. Anthon)^, b. in 1669. See chapter V.

5. Kezia; mar. (ist) Patterson; (2nd) in 1715, Joseph Maylem,
a bricklayer of Boston. In 1719 Zachariah Brackett mortgaged the
farm at Back cove to him and Richard Pulling. In will of Kezia,
probated in 1732, are named sister 'Elinor Pulling and sister Mary
Witcher of Salisbur5^

By wife, Susannah Drake :

6. Zipporah, b. 28 Sept., 1680; d. 19 Aug., 1756; mar. i Apr.,
169-, Caleb Towle, b. 14 May, 1678; d. 20 Sept., 1763; resided in
Hampton. Children were : Philip, Elizabeth, Caleb, Anthon}^ Zach-
ariah, Mathias, Jeremiah, Francis, Hannah, Nathaniel, Abraham,
Samuel.

7. Zachariah, b. 20 Jan., 1682. See chapter VI.

8. Jane, b. 7 Feb., 1684.

9. Ann, b. 18 June, 1686; d. 10 Feb., 1748; mar. 20 Feb., 1717,
James Eeavitt, b. 10 Nov., 1652; d. 13 Apr., 1760.

10. Sarah, b. 16 Mar., 1688; mar. Samuel Proctor; he came to
Falmouth about 17 13; was son of John and grandson of John, the
immigrant, who lived in Salem, Mass., and there in 1692, lost his life
in his efforts to abate prosecutions for witchcraft. She was a member
of the church in Falmouth in 1736. Children were John, b. 1715;
Benjamin, b. 1717; Samuel, Jr., b. 1719; Sarah, b. 1723; mar. John
Cox, son of John, and had Josiah, Mary, Kezia and Keren ; William,
b. 1724; Kezia, b. 1727; Kerenhappuck, b. 1729; mar. (ist) Joseph
Hicks; (2nd) Anthony Brackett (see fam. i, div. 15).

11. Susannah, b. 29 Aug., 1689 ; mar. 30 Jan., 17 18, Jasper Blake ;
removed to Falmouth where she united with the First church in 1739.

CHAPTER IV.

THOMAS BRACKETT OF FALMOUTH.

Thomas Brackett, the second son, and perhaps the third child of
Anthony Brackett, the immigrant (see chapter II), was probably
born at Sandy beach, then of the town of Strawberrj^ Bank (Ports-
mouth), now a part of the present town of R^^e, in New Hampshire,
about the 3^ear 1635, if not earlier, and removed to Casco, Me., soon
after 1662. I^ittle is known of him prior to his marriage to Mary
Mitton, daughter of Michael Mitton. Subsequent to this event he
became prominent in the town, was one of the selectmen in 1672.
His wife's mother, Elizabeth Mitton, daughter of George Cleeve,
married for her second husband, a Mr. Harvey. Mrs. Harvey lived
with Thomas in 1671; during that year he entered into an agreement
for her care and maintenance, and in consideration received from her
a deed of land. The tract was situated on the southerly side of the
upper part of the Neck; it had been occupied by Michael Mitton for
several years. The house stood near to where the gas house is in
Portland. There is no doubt that Thomas prospered in his under-
takings; how well is shown by his marriage into the Cleeve-Mitton
family and by his having been chosen as selectman. The office at
the time was an important one, as the selectmen of the town were
authorized to make grants of land in the town. While he held the
ofRce in 1672, his brother Anthony received a grant of four hundred
acres. As to how long he held the ofhce or as to what other office he
held, nothing is known, as the records of the town covering the period,
are not extant. Probably there were few men in Casco who had
brighter prospects before them or were more happily situated than he,
when the fateful year, 1676, brought ruin, desolation and death to his
and him.

When, on the capture of Captain Anthony Brackett and his fam-
ily, August II, 1676, the Indians divided, a part passing around Back
cove and a part onto the Neck, the first house in the course of the
latter was Thomas Brackett' s, on the southerly side of the Neck.
Between the houses of the two brothers, was an unbroken forest. The
accounts relative to their line of march are conflicting. It is thought
that the Indians went along the northerly side of the Neck until they
had passed the farm of Thomas Brackett. In their course the}' met
John, the son of George Munjoy, and another, Isaac Wakely, and
shot the two. Others who were with or near them, fled down the
Neck to give the alarm, and thereupon the Indians retreated in
the direction of Thomas Brackett' s house. That morning three
men were on their way to Anthony Brackett's farm to han^est grain.
They probably rowed over the river from Purpooduck point and had left
their canoe near Thomas Brackett's house. From there they crossed
the Neck towards Anthony's house, to where they went near enough to
hjarn of the attack by the Indians on his family; the three hastened

THOMAS, OF FALMOUTH 73

onto the Neck, perhaps over the course pursued by the Indians, to
give the alarm. On their way they heard guns fired "whereby it
seems two men (perhaps Munjoy and Wakely) were killed." There-
upon the three fled in the direction of Thomas Brackett's house to
reach their canoe. The Indians reached the farm, nearly at the same
time as did the men, who saw Thomas Brackett shot down while at
work in his field. Two of the men succeeded in reaching the canoe;
the third, not so fleet of foot, hid in the marsh and witnessed the capture
of Thomas Brackett's wife and children. The three men escaped.
Among the Indians who were concerned in the killing of Thomas
Brackett, was Megunnaway, one of the braves of King Philip. All
of the residents on the Neck, except Thomas Brackett, his family,
John Munjoy and Isaac Wakely, succeeded in reaching Munjoy' s
garrison house, which stood on Munjoy's hill at the end of the Neck.
From there they passed over to Bangs' Island, then called Andrew's
Island. Among the fugitives were Lieutenant Thaddeus Clark and his
family. While thus huddled on the island, Clark wrote a letter to
Mrs. Harvey, then living in Boston. So accurately does it describe the
horrors of the day and the deplorable situation of the survivors, that
a copy is here given:
"Honored mother —

After my dut}^ and my wife's presented to your selfe these may
inform you of our present health, being when other of our friends are
by barberous heathen cut off from having a being in this world. The
Lord of late hath removed his witnesses against us, and hath dealt
very bitterly with us in that we are deprived in the Society of our
nearest friends by the breaking in of the adversare against us.
Anthony and Thomas Brackett and their whole families were killed
and taken by the Indians, we know not how ; it is certainly known to
us that Thomas is slain and his wife and children carried away cap-
tive ; and of Anthony and his family we have no tidings, and, there-
fore, think that they might be captivated the night before because of
their remoteness of their habitation from the neighbourhood * * *
There are of men slain, 1 1 ; and of women and children 23 killed and
taken. We that are alive are forced upon Mr. Andrew's, his island to
secure our own and the lives of our families * * * . Having no more
at present., but desiring your prayers to God for the preservation of us
in these times of danger, I am,

Your dutiful son
From Casco Bay 14-6-76. Thaddeus Clark."

Thomas Brackett was about forty years old at the time of his
death. His wife, we are informed, died during the first year of her
captivity. During the course of the war, probably after her death,
the children were redeemed by their grandfather, Anthou}^ Brackett.

Following futile efforts to negotiate a peace with the Indians, the
Bay colony sent a force, under the command of Major Waldron and
Major Frost,, against the Indians at Maquoit bay, where it arrived
in Feb., 1677 ; there were skirmishes and minor conflicts resulting in
no particular advantage to either side. One of the purposes of the
expedition also, was to conclude a treaty of peace. In the latter part
of February, the Indians met the English at Pemaquid to enter into
negotiations, as the former pretended ; that neither had any confidence

74 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

in the other is shown by the agreement that each party was to lay
aside its arms and submit to a mutual search. At the meeting in the
afternoon of Feb. 26, 1677, "Waldron espying the point of a lance
under a board, searched further when he found other weapons hidden
also, and taking one he brandished it toward them exclaiming 'perfide-
ous wretches you intended to get our goods and then kill us did you ?'
They were thunder-struck ! Yet one more daring than the rest seized
the weapon and strove to rest it from Waldron' s hand; a tumult
ensued in which his life was much endangered. Major Frost laying
hold of Megunnaway, one of the barberous murderers of Thomas
Brackett and his neighbors, hurried him into the hold of the vessel
* * * ; reenforcements arrived from the vessels and the Indians scat-
tered in all directions * * * Megunnawa^^ grown hoary in crimes,
was shot." (Williamson's History of Maine, Vol I, p. 547, citing
Hubbard's Indian Wars.)

Thomas Brackett had at least four children, all born in Falmouth.
William Willis, in his Histor}^ of Portland, on the authority of the Rev.
Mr. Hubbard, author of Hubbard's Indian Wars, mentions three
children only, viz., Joshua, Sarah and Mary. In Chapman's Descend-
ants of Leonard Weeks, it is stated that Thomas Brackett had four
children ; that his wife and three children were carried into captivity,
which children were redeemed by their grandparents. In Austin's
One Hundred and Sixty Allied Families, we read that Thomas
Brackett was killed August 1 1 , 1676 ; * 'that his wife died the same year
shortly after her return from captivity and the children went to Ports-
mouth, probably to the care of their grandfather. Three children are
mentioned as captured ; but to this number should be added a fourth,
doubtless, viz., Samuel, for he could have been the son of none other
than Thomas, as Anthony Jr., had no son Samuel and John could
hardly have had children born early enough."

John, the son of Anthony, himself had a son Samuel. The name
was not that of any member of the family at the birth of Samuel, the
son of John, other than of Samuel, the son of Thomas. It is pre-
sumed, as the latter for a time lived with John at the home of
Anthony, the immigrant, in Portsmouth, that John named his son
Samuel for his nephew Samuel. The first mention of Samuel in
existing records, is that of his marriage in 1694, in Berwick, then a
part of the town of Kittery. It is believed that from a period in his
childhood, until about the time of his marrige, he lived with his aunt
Martha, the wife of John Grove or Graves. Also, one of the daughters
of Thomas resided in Kittery after her marriage, and, perhaps, for a
time prior to her marriage. James H. Brackett, the father of the
writer, was born in 1807. He lived with his grandfather. Deacon
James Brackett, for seventeen years (in his father's home), until the
latter's death in 1825, past the age of ninety-eight years; his oppor-
tunity for information as to his ancestry was excellent, as his grand-
father. Deacon James Brackett, had lived with his grandfather, the
said Samuel Brackett, from 1725 until his death in 1753. Whatever
doubts may arise from lack of record evidence showing that Samuel
Brackett was a son of Thomas Brackett, they are dispelled by the force of
the testimony of James H. Brackett upon this point, as competent as
he was to testify thereon. He stated that Thomas Brackett who was
killed at Casco, was his ancestor; that Samuel '" ackett of Berwick

THOMAS, OF FALMOUTH 75

was said Thomas' son. His source of information was his grand-
father, Deacon James Brackett, who had talked with his grandfather,
Samuel Brackett of Berwick. No oral tradition could be more cer-
tain and positive.

It would be supposed that records of deeds show the relation-
ship between Joshua of Greenland, and Samuel of Berwick, as the
former purchased the interests of his mother's heirs in the Mitton
estate. The record of one deed only, that of Mary Mitchell to Joshua,
is found. Issue :

1. Joshua. See chapter VII.

2. Sarah; mar. John Hill of Portsmouth ; perhaps he was the John
Hill who served with Joshua in the garrison at Oyster river.

3. Samuel, b. in 1672. See chapter VIII.

4. Mary; mar. Christopher Mitchell of Kittery, who d. in 1743;
she d. before 1694, as he had son b. in that year by a 2nd wife ; had
dau. Mary who mar. 14 Nov., 17 — , Chas. Brown. In deed dated
18 Nov., 1709, made by Christopher Mitchell as guardian, is recited
that he was formerly mar. to Mar}^ Brackett, dau. of Thomas, by
whom he had dau. Mary, and deed was made to release daughter's
share in estate of Thomas to Joshua Brackett of Greenland.

'h.

CHAPTER V.

ANTHONY BRACKETT, THE SOLDIER.

Captain Anthony Brackett was born in Falmouth, Me., in the year
1669, was the son of Captain Anthony Brackett and wife Ann Mitton.
The story of his life until he arrived at the age of twenty years, is
given in chapter III. Upon the death of his father, he and his
brother Seth continued in Falmouth until the one was killed and the
other was captured upon the surrender of fort lyoyal in May, 1690.
Other members of the family at the time were either in Boston or
Hampton; the two remained to help defend the town. There were in
Falmouth, upon the departure of Major Church in November 1689,
a company of soldiers, which, together with the local compan3% if
ably commanded, would have been sufficient to defend it. However,
as it transpired, the company of soldiers was absent from Falmouth
on an expedition, when in May 1690, the French and Indians
attacked the fort. Lieutenant Thaddeus Clark and a force of thirty
men of the local company, were ambushed, and he and thirteen of his
men were killed. His command is mentioned as being composed of the
"stoutest young men." It is probable that the brothers served under
Clark, who was husband to their aunt. Four only of the command
reached the fort, and they were wounded. The siege began on the i6th
of May, and the fort was surrendered on the 20th. Seth Brackett was
killed during the siege or at the time Clark's force was ambushed.
Capt. Brackett was made prisoner on the surrender of the fort.
Nearly all the prisoners were carried to Canada; he remained with the
Indians in Maine until September, 1690, when he effected his escape,
the particulars of which are related as follows:

In September, 1690, Major Church went on his third expedition
to Maine; he landed at Maquoit where he left his ships and proceeded
up the Androscoggin river for forty miles, to where was an Indian
fort, which he captured with some prisoners. One of them was called
Great Tom; he effected his escape and found his way to a party of
Indians that held Captain Brackett a prisoner, to whom (writes one
historian) Great Tom told such wonderful stories of the famous
Church that they fled, leaving Capt. Brackett to shift for himself.
Another historian has it, that on hearing the story from Great Tom,
of the defeat of his party on the taking of the fort, the Indians "fled
that region," and during their flight Anthony effected his escape.
Major Church's account is that Captain Brackett, guided and advised
by Great Tom, reached the shipping at Maquoit in time to be taken
on board of one of the ships, which, through the opposition of its cap-
tain to a plan for an attack by Major Church, had become aground
and thus was detained until Captain Brackett arrived. Had he
missed the vessel, he would have been compelled to travel eighty miles
to the nearest English settlement. Perhaps Great Tom and Captain

ANTHONY, THE SOLDIER 77

Brackett were acquaintances; after the former escaped from the force
under the command of Church, in his wanderings he met the latter,
who had recently escaped from the Indians; the two exchanged infor-
mation; Captain Brackett directed Great Tom to the band of Indians
which had held him captive, and Great Tom informed him that the
vessels of Captain Church were anchored at Maquoit bay.

Major Church from Maquoit proceeded to Winter Harbor (near
Saco) where he had a skirmish with the Indians; returned to Casco
bay and for the night' anchored at Purpooduck point. A portion of his
men were encamped on the shore in a deserted house. At dawn of
September 21, 1690, these were attacked by Indians who were driven
off with some loss; five of the English were killed. After this skir-
mish Major Church collected and buried the mouldering bones of the
people who were slain during the siege of fort Loyal. Falmouth was
the scene of no more engagements during the war.

The following account is of interest; nothing is vouched for its
truthfulness. It is from the pen of the "sullen bigot," Cotton
Mather.

"The Indians, as the captives inform us, being hungry passed
through deserted Casco where they spied sev&ral horses in Captain
Brackett 's orchard. Their famish 'd squa's begged them shoot the
horses that they might be revived with a little roast meat; but the
young men were for having a little sport before their supper.
Driving the horses into a pond they took one of them and furnished
him with an halter suddenly made with the mane and the tail of the
animal, which they cut off. A son of the famous Hegon was ambi-
tious to mount the Pegaseaen steed; but being a pitiful horseman, he
ordered them, for fear of his falling, to tie his legs fast under the
horse's belly. No sooner was this 'beggar on horseback' and the
spark, in his own opinion thoroughly equipt, but the mettlesome
horse furiously and presently ran with him out of sight. Neither
horse nor man were ever seen any more; the astonish'd tawnies
howl'd after one of their nobility disappearing by such an unexpected
accident. A few days after they found one of his legs, and that was
all, which they buried in Captain Brackett' s cellar, with abundance
of lamentation."

Captain Brackett enlisted in the service of the Bay colony ; was
appointed lieutenant, and, later, captain. The colony kept four com-
panies in the western part of Maine from the Piscataqua river to the
town of Wells. Major Church said of him, "he has proved a good
pilot and captain for his country." One of the historians of the day
wrote of him,, "this Mr. Brackett was improved in the service in pur-
suing those that had been the murderers of his father."

In October 1694, he was stationed at York. The governor, Wil-
liam Phipps, had received news of a premeditated attack by the
French and Indians; he advised Major Francis Hooke at Kittery, and
through him, the other commanders stationed in Maine. By Major
Hooke a copy of the governor's letter was forwarded to Lieutenant
Anthou}^ Brackett and Lieutenant Abraham Preble (at York) with
direction to forward same to the officers at Wells and Saco. Subse-
quently, he was promoted to the rank of captain. The post at Wells
was the most easterly of those continuously occupied by the English
until the treaty of peace. It was the most liable to be attacked; its

78 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

loss would result in the evacuation of a large section of country and
perhaps, eventuall^^ of the entire province. There was no person in
the service better fitted for the command at Wells than Captain
Brackett, and to the place he had been assigned as early as 1696, as
the following shows:

"October 29, 1696, according to order of Rt. Hon. I^t. Gov. for
detaching four soldiers for release of four at Wells, bearing date 24
Dec. 1696, in pursuance whereof by my orders Sam'l Norton, John
Grely, Israel Hoyt and Nath'l Osgood were detached 26 Dec. 1696,
and sent to Wells to Captain Brackett, under conduct of Mr. Isaac
Morrell to relieve Jacob Morrell, John Osgood, Sam'l Collins and
Hezekiah Purrington." (Extract from order book of Captain Henry
True of Salisbury.)

In July, 1696, upon the fall of fort William Henry at Pemaquid,
Me., there were apprehensions that the French and Indians might
advance to the Piscataqua River ; steps were immediately taken to
reinforce the troops stationed at Wells and to the westward along the
coast. The command of the army was given to Major Church.
With the troops raised in Massachusetts he sailed to the Piscataqua
river, and at Portsmouth met the companies which had been on duty
in the towns in Maine ; assigned "to his Captains, Graham, Brackett,
Hunnewell and Larkin their rank and duty." This was in August,
1696. From Portsmouth he was to start on an expedition to the Pen-
obscot river and against the French settlements on the St. Johns river.
The little army left Portsmouth on August 22, 1696, and in its course
to the Kennebec, stopped at points on the coast without seeing or
hearing of any Indians, — so thoroughly had the eastward forces per-
formed their duty. The voyage was continued to the Penobscot bay
where the islands were searched and the coasts thoroughly scouted,
but no Indians were found. The whale boats were left near the
mouth of the river and the land forces set out on an expedition in
pursuit of the enemj^. It was reported that about sixty miles up the
river was a fort. Major Church mentions that he advanced to above
the falls in the river, and relates the following incident:

"A mile or two above the falls they discovered a birch canoe
coming down with two Indians in it. The Major sent word imme-
diately back to those at the falls, to lie very close and let them pass
down the falls, and to take them alive that he might have intelligence
where the enemy were * * *. But a foolish soldier seeing them pass
by him, shot at them, contrary to orders given, which prevented them
from going into the ambuscade that was laid for them. Whereupon
several more of our men being near, shot at them. So that one of
them could not stand when he got ashore but crept away into the
brush. The other stepped out of the canoe with his paddle in his
hand and ran about a rod and threw down his paddle and turned back
and took up his gun and so escaped. One of our Indians swam over
the river, fetched the canoe wherein was a considerable quantity of
blood on the seat that the Indians sat on; the canoe had several holes
shot in her. They stopped the holes and then Captain Brackett with
an Indian soldier went over the river and tracked them b}^ the blood
about half a mile where they found his gun, took it up and seeing the
blood no further concluded that he had stopped it and so got away."

Janthony, the soldier 79

As their discovery prevented a surprise of the fort further up the
river, at that time, Major Church returned to his boats and vessels,
and sailed for the St. Johns river. There his army made great havoc
among the French setdements and took considerable plunder. Not
wishing to advance fiirther east, his intentions were to return to the
Penobscot river, to allow his white soldiers from Massachusetts to
return to their hornet with the ships and, with the "Eastward men"
and the friendly Indians, to set out on an expedition by land to the
Indian fort sixty miles- up the river on an island. From there he
intended to march ove land to the Piscataqua, attacking Norridge-
wock and other india, settlements and strongholds in his course.
Pursuant 'to this plan hJ "discoursed with Captain Brackett, Captain
Hunnewell and Captain L,arkin (with their lyieutenants), commanders
of the forces belonging to the eastward parts, who were to discourse
their soldiers about their proceedings when they came to Penobscot."
He further mentions how he intended to proceed, — "to take that fort
in the Penobscot river ; " that Captain Brackett informed the "major
that when the water was low, they could wade over, which was at
that time the lowest that had >een known in a long time." He had
commenced his return voyage when he was superseded in command
by Colonel Hathorn. The expedition again went to St. Johns river
and after a futile attempt to take i fort from the French, set sail for
Boston. By the month of November, 16^6, the "Eastward forces" had
returned to their several station x;7i Captain Brackett to the fort at
Wells.

These men from the eastwa^ i were not adventurers after plunder
and scalp money ; their purpose was to destroy the enemy ; hence,
they stood ready to follow Church where he should lead them ; and
not the least forward so to do was Cap^.ain Brackett, his "good pilot,"
and "Captain for his country."

In 1697, there was an alarm of anc her invasion of the few settle-
ments in Maine which remained to tu>. English ; a force for their
protection was sent from Massachusetts ;. before it arrived there were
desultory attacks at different points by .i-iouting parties of Indians.
At Wells one of a party at work in a marsh was slain by the Indians ;
they captured another of the party whom ihey burned at the stake.
"Captain Brackett pursued them but did but almost over take them."

One of the comrades in arms of Captain Brackett was Major
Charles Frost who commanded in Kittery; he was waylaid and killed
by the Indians on Sunday, July 4, 1697. One, Tbseph Storer, residing
at Wells, under date of July 16, 1697, wrote |;o Captain Joseph Hill
at Saco, Maine, giving an account of the deatn of Major Frost, and
added, "Capt. Brackett went with some of his Company a Monday
by the way Newichawanock (Berwick) and I went with him," to at-
tend Major Frost's funeral. This was the Major Frost who captured
Megunnaway.

Peace with the Indians was made in 1698; the war had lasted
ten years. The four companies "to the Eastward" had so well
patrolled the country, that as early as 1693, the settlers were enabled
to return to their homes ; from that year, during the remainder of the
war, though frequently there were attacks and outrages by scouting
and roving bands of Indians, and people were compelled to huddle in
garrison and block houses, there happened no massacres and no forti-

80 BRACKETT GENEAIvOG\

fied places were taken. Prior to the year i6'3, the towns were
nearly deserted. Captain Brackett rose from tiie ranks to the posi-
tion of commander of the most easterly post rtiaintained by the Eng-
lish, in Maine, during the latter part of the war. He had seen ten
years of continuous service before he attaine^J the thirtieth year of
his age. It is to be regretted that we know so little of the history of
this brave and courageous man. However, >,'hen it is considered
that barely the mention of the name of a person who sacrificed years
of his life in active service, is all that records contain concerning him,
is his military history for his descendants ; t. \at no more than a bare
mention is made concerning hundreds who Q.jught during this and
other Indian wars, we are very fortunate i? deed to have preserved
these few meager scraps concerning this gallant soldier. In whatever
rank he served, whether private, lieutenant or captain, he gained
distinction; in fact, he was renowned beo»re he had been in the serv-
ice a year. His was not a service for a few months in this or that
expedition ; it was for the war. ten 5'ea"''s of hard fighting, and dur-
ing the entire period he scarcely set ^"'jot in the town where was his
home — deserted Falmouth.

When peace was restored Capt^iin Brackett went to Hampton,
New Hampshire. During the foU't-wing year he was married ; his
wife's Christian name was Mary, her surname is not known. He
resided in Hampton but a few ye|rs; about the commencement of
Queen Anne's war he removed tO !^3Ston ; while there, for a time at
least, he followed the sea, was a ves.sel owner. He could not refrain
from lending a helping hand in bf^ialf of the struggling settlers of
Maine and New Hampshire, hence we read : —

"Whereas Anthony Brackej^t, master of a sloop has informed his
honor that he has on board s^jres of war for this province ; ordered
that Capt. Walton of the for*^'^ William and Mary, receive said stores
and that Mr. Treasurer pa^^jthe said Anthony Brackett his freight
out of the Treasury, 21 Noyv, 1710." (Vol. Ill, p. 621, New Hamp-
shire Prov. P.) ,'

Perhaps it was failing/C.iealth which prevented the veteran from
actively participating in 'he long and fiercely contested struggle,
which closed shortly before his death. From the Old Sexton's Bills
(Boston Records), is gV^aned that "Anthony Brackett died June 82,
1716, aged 47 years." Peace and rest which war's alarms will not
disturb, at last are his for evermore. It is well that his descendants
should know the storv of his life. Issue :

1. Mary; d. 30 Jai ., 1702. (Old Sexton's Bills.)

2. Mary, b. 8 Ma_,, 1704; no further record.
.3. Anthony, b. 25 Jan., 1708. See chapter X.

CHAPTER VI.

ZACHARIAH BRACKETT OF BACK COVE.

Zachariah Brackett, son of Captain Anthony Brackett (see chap.
Ill), by his second wife, Susannah Drake, was born January 20, 1682.
This date is the earliest, showing day, month and year of the birth of
any of the descendants of Anthony, the immigrant, so complete was
the destruction of town and parish records wrought by the Indians.
Zachariah was the great-grandson of George Cleeve ; the first settlers
of the province and many of their children had passed away, and a
half century had rolled by from the time when Cleeve settled at
Casco, before there was made the record of a birth or a marriage
which remains to us. Nor was this date of the birth of Zachariah
obtained from the records of a town in Maine ; it is the town records
of Hampton, N. H., that contain mention of it, where are also
recorded the dates of the births of his sisters. Until he reached the
sixth year of his age, his father's family dwelt at intervals of the time
at Hampton, though his father was quite steadily at Falmouth. The
family, at the time of the commencement of the war of 1688, or soon
after, was in Hampton. From that year there was continuous war-
fare with the Indians, with the exception of two years (1699-1700),
until the peace of 17 13. During these years repeated attacks were
made by the Indians on Hampton. What is known as the third
Indian war (Queen Anne's war) began in 1701, and continued until
1 7 13. Zachariah ser\'ed as a soldier during the entire war; that is, he
belonged to a military company and ever stood ready to do the bid-
ding of his officers. He was frequenth' called upon for service as the
Indians were persistent and aggressive in their attacks.

As a result of the war the population of Maine had materially
decreased ; one hundred miles of its seacoast was without an inhabi-
tant and nearly all of its towns had been desolated. There was no
place of safety but within a fort or a garrison house, and there was no
fort east of Falmouth nor between it and Wells. In Falmouth, not
on the Neck, but eastward across the ba}^, had been erected a small
fort, which, though often attacked, was held by the colonists to the
close of hostilities. At one time it was resolved by the authorities at
Boston to demolish the fort and abandon Falmouth, but the resolution
was not carried into effect. This advanced post was maintained until
peace was declared. In the year 17 15, it was demolished. About the
fort gathered a few of the homeless people ; on or shortly before the
destruction of the fort, they passed over to the Neck, and in the midst
of the ruins of the homes of the former settlers, erected log huts in
which to dwell. There were few if any among them who had title to
land there or thereabouts. They were of the class whose stay at any
place was precarious and had been attracted to Falmouth because it
was a military post at a point on the coast, which afforded opportuni-

82 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

ties for living b}^ fishing and occupying the deserted farms. In 1713,
the authorities appointed a committee to examine into and pass upon
the title of claimants to lands in Maine. It will be remembered that
for over a quarter of a century the early settlers to the eastward of
Wells, v»nth the exception of one or two small temporar}^ settlements,
had been driven from their homes and prevented from returning to
them by the fear of captivity or death at the hands of the Indians.
In fact, so hazardous and calamitous were the prospects of returning
to their homes, that the authorities would not allow an attempt to be
made without their permission. By 1713, a goodly proportion of the
heads of families, settlers of the province, had passed away, and claim-
ants to lands, in many instances, were heirs of persons once entitled
thereto, long since deceased. Of such was Zachariah Brackett. The
authorities of the proprietary colony of Massachusetts included Fal-
mouth among, in fact it was one of the first of, the towns which permis-
sion was given to settlers to return and claim their deserted farms or
those of their fathers. In 17 15, he went to Falmouth and took posses-
sion of his father's farm on Back cove. He and a Benjamin Skillings
are mentioned as the first having title to land in Falmouth, to settle
on the deserted farms. At the time there were but few living on the
Neck and among them a Mr. Ingersol, called by the people "The
Governor, ' ' from the fact that the house he built there was a frame
one, the others being made of logs. Soon after there was an influx
of claimants and others. Of those who had no lands, some at least did
not refrain from occupying the lands of absent claimants, and there
was an assumption on the part of the newly organized town govern-
ment to grant lands to the new settlers, which belonged to or were
claimed by the heirs of the old settlers. The contests consequent
thereon relative to the ownership of tracts, based, as were the titles
of the new settlers in them, upon grants by the new town govern-
ment, in conjunction with the contests the old settlers passed through
respecting their acquirement of title to lands under former govern-
ments, which the new settlers insisted should be reopened and tried
anew, presented for consideration questions whose intricacies might
well bewilder the proverbial Philadelphia lawyer. The general court
was petitioned for relief by heirs of the old settlers, and the names of
the daughters of Captain Anthony Brackett are affixed to such peti-
tions ; that body relegated their petitions to its circumlocution
bureau. No relief was ever granted by the court. The contest con-
tinued until 1732, when the old and new proprietors of the town came
to an agreement, by the terms of which the new settlers vacated the
lands claimed by the old settlers and their heirs. This agreement
was entered into during the centennial anniversary of the settlement
of Casco by Cleeve ; the hundred years had been of strife and turmoil
on the part of the inhabitants among themselves and of dreadful and
calamitous wars with the Indians.

Zachariah, who was one of the very first to return to Falmouth
and occupy the land he claimed, was not involved in the long contest
between the old and the new settlers. However, he had a little fam-
ily affair about land, which gave promise of vexatious suits at law.
Zachariah claimed title to the farm on Back cove as heir of his
mother to her rights under the deed of jointure made by Captain
Anthony at the time of his second marriage. His opponents were

ZACHARIAH BRACKETT 83

his half-brother and half-sisters who contended that the farm was the
property of their mother and that their father had no title which he
could convey to his second wife. There was an amicable settlement.
Zachariah purchased the interest in the farm of the heirs, and for the
purpose borrowed money of Joseph Maylem, bricklayer, of Boston,
his brother-in-law.

The family of Zachariah did not remove to Falmouth until the
year 17 19. On August 2nd of that year, the six elder of his children
were baptized in Hampton. The fact that the family did not go to
Falmouth until the year 17 19, is shown by the affidavit of Abraham
Brackett, one of its members, born in 17 14, who thereby testified that
he was four (five) years of age when he went to Falmouth to live.

In 1722, commenced the Three Years, or lyOvewell's, war. The
Indians had patiently waited for the colonists to carry out the treaty
of 1 7 13 in the particular of erecting and maintaining trading posts
for the accommodation of the former, and for their protection against
the extortions of the private traders. Traffic -with the Indians was
then very profitable. In our day one is well able to imagine from what
source opposition would arise to the erection of j)ublic trading posts,
where the Indians could purchase goods at a normal cost and receive
a fair price for their commodities, and delay their erection as long as
possible. Rather than carry out the treaty, the authorities at Boston
chose the hazards of war, or, more correctly speaking, ventured to
make an attempt to capture the one man above all others, who gave
them the alternative of performing their treaties of their own accord,
or submitting to the humiliation of being compelled to do so. The
man was Father Ralle, the faithful friend of the Indians, who dwelt
in the village of the Norridgewock tribe. The attempt made to kid-
nap him in time of peace was thwarted by the alert Indians. This
act of treachery determined the sagamores ; they resolved upon war.
Hostilities upon their part at once commenced and continued until
the authorities at Boston were very anxious, not only to erect trading
posts, but also to concede quite everything the Indians demanded.
Again the settlers were huddled in or near forts and garrison houses ;
there were hostilities from Nova Scotia to the western frontiers of
Massachusetts. On the Neck in Falmouth, in July, 1722, a man was
shot ; in April, 1723, a soldier was killed in an attack on one of the
garrison houses. Though in former wars the greatest loss of life, and
suffering from captivity and destruction of property, of any settle-
ment in Maine or New Hampshire were the lot of the people of Fal-
mouth, in this war the town was the field of little more than forays
by the Indians in which occasionally there was loss of life, rarely on
the part of the enemy. So securely did the inhabitants feel, because
of the protection offered them by the natural advantages on the
Neck, from attacks by the Indians, that their military discipline was
of the exceedingly^ indifferent kind. "We walked through the town
of Falmouth twice in one night" reads the report of a committee
appointed by the general court to investigate conditions of defense at
different points in Maine, "without being hailed, though there were
several military companies in the place." In one of said companies,
that commanded by Captain Joshua Moody, Zachariah served as a
private ; the company was organized in 1722 ; his name is found in a
muster roll of the company made in 1725.

84 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

Lieutenant Governor Dummer's peace, concluded in 1725, was
hailed with rejoicing by the settlers of Maine. It was ratified July
30, at Falmouth, where the victorious sagamores had kept in wait-
ing for two weeks, many state dignitaries and a "fine train of young
gentlemen" as a guard. So thoroughly harassed had been the
Whites that for the first time were their authorities inclined to be in
earnest in their promises to the Indians. Immediate steps were
taken to carry into effect the terms of the treaty, and thereupon fol-
lowed as many 3'ears of continuous peace as the colonists were des-
tined to enjoy during the time from King Philip's war to the fall of
Quebec, a period of eighty-five years.

Again, people could dwell in safety and unmolested outside of
forts, garrison and block houses. Zachariah with his family could
leave the Neck and return to the old farm at Back cove. It is prob-
able that he never took part in any conflict with the Indians sub-
sequent to the treaty of 1725. Prior to or during King George's
war, which commenced in 1744, he had moved to Ipswich, Mass.
He sold the farm at Back cove shortly before. In Ipswich he passed
the remainder of his days. He died in 1751 ; estate administered in
October 1755 ; consisted in part of house and lands in Ipswich.

The question as to who was the first wife of Zachariah is prob-
lematical. Her Christian name was Hannah. Among the unpub-
lished writings of Mr. Willis, is a memorandum, reading, in sub-
stance, that Zachariah Brackett was a son of Captain Anthony by his
second wife; that "Dr. Brackett informed me his first wife was a
Drake ; by her he had his children ; his second wife was an Irish
woman."

The Dr. Brackett referred to, was Dr. James Brackett of L,ee,
N. H. A careful research has disclosed that there was no Hannah
Drake whom Zachariah could have married. The relater probably
was confused as to the spouse of the Drake who married a Brackett,
or confused the wives of Anthony and Zachariah, and thus misin-
formed the historian. lyittle did the doctor think that less than
three-quarters of a century would pass before there would be pub-
lished that his wife was an Elizabeth Nye, sister of Adino Nye.
The truth probably is that the first wife of Zachariah Brackett was
his cousin, Hannah Libby, daughter of Anthony, who was his fifth
child. He had four daughters, viz., Sarah, who married June 18,
1701, Israel Smith; Mary, who married Mar. 7, 1709, John Lane;
Hannah; Jane, b. Aug. 5, 1700, who married in 1720, Deacon
Abraham Moulton. In his will, dated Feb. 17, 171 8, Anthony Libby
bequeathed to his daughters whom he named thus —

"4th. To my beloved daughter Sarah, 6£.

5th. To my beloved daughter, Mary, 6£.

6th. To my beloved daughter, Hannah, 20s.

7th. To my beloved daughter, Jane," cattle on her marriage
day.

It will be observed that daughters, Sarah and Mary, were
married when the will was made ; that their husbands' names are
not given in the will, hence their names are derived from other
sources. Further, the name of the husband of Hannah is not con-
tained in the Libb)^ genealogy. This speculation is ventured, that
in 1 718, when Anthony Libby made his will, Zachariah Brackett had

ZACHARIAH BRACKETT 85

acquired possession of his father's valuable farm at Back cove,
hence, the small bequest to his daughter Hannah, the wife of
Zachariah. Anthony Libby was born in 1649, in Scarboro; was a
carpenter; removed to Falmouth in 1682; married August 20, 1775,
Sarah Drake, sister of Susannah, and daughter of Abraham Drake
and wife Jane, of Hampton; removed to Hampton in 1685, where he
died in 1718 ; was son of John; he was born in England about 1602,
came to America in 1631, in the eniplo}' of John Winter at Richmond
island; settled in 1640, at Black point, Scarboro; died in 1682; name
of first wife is unknown ; name of second wife was Mary.

Zachariah Brackett married (2nd), intention published Feb. 16,
1 741. Mary Ross; she was probably daughter of the Ross mentioned
by Abraham Brackett in his afl&davit as the Ross "then lately (1740)
come from Scotland." Dr. Brackett related that because of the
trouble she made in the family, Zachariah sold the farm and removed
to Ipswich. There probably was opposition on the part of the chil-
dren to their father's second marriage ; the wife was many years his
junior. Her estate was administered in 1793, probably shortly after
her death. Issue:

1. Sarah, b. i Mar., 1709; mar. (ist), Isa-ac Sawyer, b. about
1707 or 8, in Gloucester, Mass., was son of Isaac; he was b. in 1684,

in Gloucester, mar. in 1706, Martha , removed to Falmouth in

1725, d. in 1772, was son of James; he was a weaver in Gloucester,
mar. Sarah Bra^-, dau. of Thomas of Gloucester; James may have
been son of William v/ho came to New England about 1640. An
Isaac Sav/yer was one of the organizing members of First Parish
church in Falmouth, in 1727. Mar. (2nd), subsequently to 1752,
Jonathan Morse ; he united with the First church in Falmouth in
1737, having been dismissed from the church in Newbury, Mass.
Issue by Isaac Sawyer:

1st. Zachariah, bapt. 10 June, 1732.

2nd. Zachariah, b. 27 Aug., 1733; mar. in 1754, Sarah Knight;
mar. (2nd) 13 May, 1784, Mrs. Susannah (Watson) Shillings; resided
in Falmouth until his second marriage when he removed to Gorham.
Children: Hannah, b. in 1755 ; Nathan, who mar. Tabitha Skillings ;
Jonathan; Isaac; Zachariah; Brackett, b. 19 Mar., 1775, mar. Eliz-
abeth Webb, d. 21 Apr., 1851 ; Amos, lost at sea; Eevi, b. 13 May,
1786.

3d. Anthony, bapt. in 1735; d. 21 June, 1805; mar. Susanna
Marston. Children: Ephraim ; child; Daniel; Asa; Joseph; Rob-
ert, and six others.

4th. Anne. 5th, Hannah Brackett, b. in 1739.

6th. A child. 7th, Thomas. 8th, Benjamin. 9th, Isaac.

10th. Sarah, who mar. her cousin, Peter Brackett (see fam.
4, div. 5).

11th. Obediah.

2. Jane, b. 13 Jan., 1711; mar. Daniel Moslier, son of James
and grandson of Hugh; resided in Gorham. Issue:

1st. Hannah Brackett b. in 1734; mar. Moses Akers. Issue:

I. Jenny Mosher, b. 13 Aug., 1756; int. of mar. 20 Mar., 1784,
with Thomas Brackett; mar. 17 Mar., 1785, James Brackett of Fal-
mouth (see fam. 4, div. 7).

II. Daniel Mosher.

86 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

III. John.

IV. Hannah Baker.

V. Rebecca.

VI. Susannah Baker, b. 17 Oct., 1775.
2nd. Catherine, who mar. Joseph Watson.

3d. James, bapt. in 1737; mar. in 1758, Abigail Frost who d.
2 Oct., 1834, aged 99 years.

3. Anthony, b. 25 Aug., 1712. See division 4. ^^^

4. Abraham, b. 3 July, 17 14. See division 3.

5. Zachariah, Jr., b. 30 Nov., 1716. See division 6.

6. Thomas, b. in 17 18. See division 5.

7. Susannah, b. 13 Feb., 1720; mar. John Baker who came
from Boston. Children were Josiah, bapt. in 1741 ; John; and Susan.

8. Joshua, b. 7 Jan., 1723. See division 7,

9. Abigail, b. 21 Aug., 1727; mar. James Merrill of Falmouth.
Children by wife, Mary Ross:

10. Mary, bapt. in 1742.

11. Ann, bapt. in 1745.

CHAPTER VII.

LIEUTENANT JOSHUA BRACKETT
OF PORTSMOUTH.

Joshua Brackett, the son of Thomas Brackett (see chapter IV),
and grandson of Anthony Brackett, the immigrant, was born in Fal-
mouth. The year of his birth is not known; he, himself, probably
did not know with certainty his age, for all town and parish records
were destroyed and both of his parents died during his childhood,
his father having been killed by the Indians and his mother having
succumbed to the hardships of captivity while in the hands of the
same foe. With his mother, his brother and sisters, Joshua was
taken captive on that fateful day, August ii, 1676. With the
Indians he remained until he was -redeemed by his grandfather
Anthony Brackett, in whose family he resided for several years. We
have nothing certain as to his captivity, either as to its length or
where he was confined. Probably not until the close of the war did
he reach his grandfather's house at Sandy beach. His mother had
passed away ; ail the personal effects of his father had been destroyed ;
the farm and large tracts on the Neck alone remained to him, and
when he arrived at an age to be able to cultivate and improve them,
war commenced with the Indians, which, but for a short interval of
peace, lasted for twenty-five years. From this condition of privation
and destitution he arose to become one of the richest men in the prov-
ince, in his day.

By his grandfather he was reared. He became sufficiently
skilled in the English language to write with ease and to express
himself in good diction. We have no better, and want no better,
evidence of the excellent qualities and aspirations of Anthony
Brackett, the immigrant, than is afforded by the degree of culture
attained by his children and grandchildren who were his charges,
principally through the advantages he bestowed upon them. During
the nine years which followed the peace of 1679, the boy was in good
hands, was being well instructed and carefully trained by his aged
Episcopalian grandparents, and petted and comforted by aunts,
uncles and cousins. Then commenced the war of 1688, and Falmouth
was in danger. The emergency of the times called him to Falmouth
where was the gallant Anthony Brackett, his uncle. Imagine him
shirking duty, if you can, permitting others to defend the town where
he was born, where was the home of his father, all that he owned,
and he remaining at Sandy beach. He went to Falmouth and
becam.e a partisan follower of his uncle on those questions over which
the conflict waxed strong and split in twain the settlers of the de-
voted town. At the time, the contest between the parties was over

88 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

the appointment of their military ofl&cers. A petition dated May 2,
1689, to which Joshua was a signer, was presented to the insurrec-
tionary authorities at Boston, opposing the continuation in command
of their local military force, of Colonel Tyng and Captain Sylvanus
Davis. The opposition to these officers was not so much on the
account that they had been appointed by Sir Edmund Andross, as on
the account that they had profited, as beneficiaries of his harsh civil
government in Falmouth, at the expense of its people. The conflict
of the parties had taken successively the form of contests over
different questions, and at this critical juncture the contest in the
matter of appointing officers was deplorably virulent and untimely.
Joshua was probably past the age of twenty-one when he signed the
petition. It is not thought that boys who had not attained their
majority would have been permitted, in those days, to petition the
officials of the Bay colony on so grave a subject. How long he
remained in Falmouth is not known, probably until after the danger
had passed; was with his uncle when he fell and thereupon hastened,
on that frosty morning in September, to the Neck, to give the alarm
on the approach of the Indians ; took part in the battle ; attended
the funeral of his uncle, and then returned to Sandy beach. With
the arrival of spring came the news of the fall of fort lyoyal at Fal-
mouth, and of the death and captivit}^ of relatives. Let us not again
draw the pall of that terrible last Tuesday of September, 1691 ; for,
to write of it once, even at this date, is sickening. Young Joshua
was there; "The sons of auld goodman Brackett were in the salt
marsh and with no suspicion of danger," reads the old chronicle.
The sparse and meager accounts we have of those stirring times,
hardly afford us a glimpse of young Joshua. But this we have, show-
ing that he was doing his part, stationed at the most exposed point,
at the height of the conflict:

"April I, 1697, Thes may inform Howe it may conceren that
these fouer men hear named, William pumeri, John Hill, Richard
place and Joshua bracket sarved thair majisty Shoulders in garrison
at Oister Riew'" (Durham) in the provens of new Hampshire in the
yer 1696. Richard pomri, five weekes, the other thre fouer weekes a
pece ; thay Hev Had former debenters for the sam time but Lost.
John Woodman, Captain."

About the year 1698, he was married ; his oldest child was born
in 1700. He continued to live in Greenland until his death in 1749,
was a resident of the town for nearl}^ seventy years. At times during
the war commencing in 1701 and ending in 1715, he did some sol-
diering ; was chosen lieutenant of a local military company, and
hence, we find him spoken of as Lieutenant Joshua Brackett. Dur-
ing twenty-eight years of the first forty-five years of his life, there
was continuous war with the Indians. The horrifying accounts of
the bloody conflicts in night and da^^, during all seasons of the year;
of murder, rapine, torture and bloody reprisals; of the most shameful
treachery on the part of the English as well as on the part of their
determined foe, — the reading them two hundred years after the
scenes they depict, took place, gives one the nightmare. There was
not a man in the province on whom blows fell faster and harder, and
produced deeper heart pangs, who had cause to cry louder for
revenge, than Joshua Brackett. Of those slain whom he had to

JOSHUA, OF GREENLAND 89

mourn were his father, grandfather, grandmother, uncle Captain
Anthony Brackett, uncle Nathaniel Mitton, uncle Lieutenant Thad-
deus Clark and cousin Seth Brackett ; of his relatives who were made
captives were his mother, who died while a prisoner, his brother, two
sisters, the children of his uncle John Brackett, one of whom never
returned to the province to live, and the children of his uncle
Anthony Brackett. Who of his relatives were maimed and wounded,
have not been learned.

There is evidence that he was engaged in the coast trade,
whether as merchant or transporter it is not known ; certain it is that
he was the owner of vessels; was also a manufacturer of lumber,
owned a saw mill or two, owned one at Wadleigh's Falls in Strafford
county. So with some reason it can be presumed that the product
of his mills, he shipped to Boston. Whatever was his line of business,
he prospered, accumulated wealth. Early in his business life he
purchased land, farms from their respective owners adjoining one
another and bordering for miles along the southern shore of the Great
bay.

"These lands around the bay were far the best in town
And here the prudent Bracketts came and settled down."

Commencing with a tract over the line in Stratham, now owned
by the heirs of Mr. Dudley lyittlefield, the farm extended into the
present town of Greenland, the southern shore of the bay being its
northern limit ; it is probably one of the most beautifully situated
tracts of land in the state.

"The lands along the bay
Were in the Dover grant and things were mixed that way.
'Twas called 'Cottrell's Delight.' This place round Littlefield's
Was owned by men in Exeter. From them it yields
Itself some way to Brackett."

The long Indian war came to an end in 1713. Two years later
the settlers commenced to return to deserted Falmouth. The con-
test over land between the old and the new settlers arose. The heirs
of Michael Mitton were petitioning the general court for their rights
as proprietors of Falmouth, but the name of Joshua Brackett does
not appear among those of the petitioners. We have no evidence that
he took steps to secure his property in Falmouth until the year 1726,
when he applied for administration on his father's estate, quite fifty
years after his father's death. Two years later his sons, Joshua and
Anthony, took possession of the old farm. About this period Lieu-
tenant Joshua became interested in Peak's island and other landed
property of the Mitton estate. In Boston lived his second cousin,
Anthony Brackett, son of Captain Anthony, "the good pilot and
captain for his country," son of the gallant Captain Anthony of Fal-
mouth, the husband of Ann Mitton, daughter of Michael Mitton.
This Anthony, the fourth, had purchased the interests of some heirs of
Michael Mitton, children of all the daughters of Mitton except one,
Mary, the mother of Joshua, and Joshua himself purchased the
interests of his brother and sisters. The two, Joshua and Anthony,
by these purchases became the owners of Peak's island and other
large tracts of land in Falmouth.

Quite a lively contest will have the Rev. Thomas Smith et al,
who have been purchasing wild-cat claims to these same lands, as no

90 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

time does this Anthony of Boston propose to lose in bringing suit to
test the title to lands in question which the reverend gentleman sets
up. Anthony and lyieutenant Joshua are in communication by letter,
and when the wind is favorable, this Anthony takes a sail to Ports-
mouth to talk over the business in hand with the prosperous mer-
chant, landowner, manufacturer and veteran soldier, Lieutenant
Joshua. Well the two know with whom they have to deal ; know
that the Rev. Thomas Smith of Falmouth, has such an eye to busi-
ness that he disdains not to put a few pounds sterling into stock of a
scalp-hunting company, whose profit is the government bounty of
some hundred pounds paid for the scalps of every Indian, squaw
and papoose taken by the men hired and equipped by his company.

Fortunately a few letters which passed between the cousins are
extant. Mrs. Grace Brackett Scott of New Market, a descendant of
Joshua, often thought that in the house, which was her grandfather's,
built by this same Joshua, there must be documents of value in a his-
torical way. When the house became the property of her brother
John, in recent years, sure enough there were found in an old secre-
tary, letters whose contents are sources of authority on what follows
concerning the plans of the two cousins to recover the Falmouth
property.

Anthony of Boston, was many years the junior of his cousin
Joshua ; it is noticeable that he addressed him with a deal of respect
and consideration, introducing each paragraph of his letters to him
with "Sir," and deferring to his judgment in all important matters.
Anthony was much the more of the two on the speculative order and
finds occasion to remind Joshua that, through oversight, steps are not
being taken as hastily as they may be, in the matter of acquiring
possession of the Mitton estate, while Joshua seemingly pays more
attention to his shipping interests than he does to the legal matter in
hand, — to ancient claims to real estate through grandfather Mitton.
Thinks he did not get enough for his sloop which Anthony sold for
him, by some odd pounds, does Joshua. He is not fully aware as to
how keen, "active and well informed a partner he has in this Anthony
until he is taken to task, in a very deferential way, for not executing
and forwarding certain documents which Anthony must have for
their lawyer's use. They leave no stone unturned to secure posses-
sion of the Mitton property; do get it all but two-ninths of Peak's
Island, and Joshua purchases Anthony's interest. The Rev. Thomas
Smith gets nothing, will have to content himself with tithes and
scalp money for a time.

However, long before he secured the Mitton estate he was well
off in a worldly way. In spiritual matters he made a change to
accord with the views of his neighbors. Both of his grandfathers
were Episcopalians ; probably his mother was of that faith and his
father also. The Congregationalists had pretty much everything
their way in Portsmouth. But it was not until Joshua was well
passed the middle age that he acknowledged the covenant, and soon
after he united with the church; his eight children were baptized, all
on the same day.

It is interesting to see how faithfully he selected family names
for nearly all of his children. His first son he named John, for his
uncle John, with whom he had soldiered for a score of years; the

JOSHUA, OF GREENLAND 91

second, Joshua, he named for himself; the third, Thomas, for his
father; the fourth, Samuel, for his brother; the fifth, Anthony, for
his grandfather; the sixth, James; the name is not one that was
borne by any member of either the father's or the mother's family;
the seventh, Nathaniel, for his uncle Nathaniel Mitton. Two
daughters he named Mary, for his wife and his mother ; one of the
daughters died in infancy ; the next, Abigail, he named for his
cousin, daughter of his uncle John ; the next, Elinor, for his aunt,
his father's sister; the next, Kezia, for another daughter of his
uncle John ; the youngest, Margaret, whose name is not a family one.

To all the sons he made legacies and bequests sufiicient to place
each in good financial condition. The youngest child, Nathaniel,
was given the home farm with its mansion house, lying partly in
Stratham. About two hundred acres adjoining the home farm on the
east with its mansion house, were devised to James. As many acres
lying to the east of the latter farm with its mansion, were devised to
John. It is traditional that the frames of the three houses were
raised on the same day, and that when the houses were finished they
were taken possession of by the sons in the lifetime of their father.
Sons Joshua and Anthony were given the lands in Falmouth ; to
Samuel were given a farm in New Market and a half interest in the
sawmill at Wadleigh's Falls; to son James, the other half of said
mill. Son Thomas died in the lifetime of his father, leaving an
estate which inventoried 5,000 pounds.

It has been written that Joshua acquired these farms about the
bay from his grandfather Anthony. The statement is not the truth ;
there is no foundation for it whatever. Anthony never owned land
about the bay, did not mention Joshua's name in his will.

The grave of Joshua is on the home farm. On the tombstone,
marking his last resting-place, is' the following inscription :

"Here Lies Mr. Joshua

Brackett Who Died

June 19: D: y. 1749. Aged 77
yeSM

The wife of Joshua Brackett was Mary Weeks; she was born
19 July, 1676; d. in 1740; was daughter of Leonard Weeks ; he mar.
Mary Haines ; she was dau. of Samuel Haines ; he was b. about
1611, in England, and d. in 1686; his wife was Elinor Neate.
Issue :

1. John, b. about 1700. See division 13.

2. Joshua, b, about 1701, in Greenland ; mar. Abigail ; lived

in Falmouth from prior to 1728, to his death in March, 1794. The
account of his life is given in connection with that of his brother
Anthony (see div. 15). Issue:

1st. Abigail, b. 14 Sept., 1728; mar. (ist), intention published
8 Oct., 1749, Job Lunt; (2nd) Anthony Brackett (see issue, div.
4); d. I Feb., 1805. Issue by first husband :

I. Michael Lunt, who mar. his cousin, Sarah Skillings; Parson
Dean refused to perform the ceremony; Joshua deeded to him a tract
of land in Portland. Issue :

a. Sarah, b. 19 Dec, 1775.

b. Job, b. 22 Feb., 1778.

92 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

c. Mary, b. 25 July, 1784.

d. Michael Mitton, ) , . , ^ *

e. Abigail, '[twins, b. 23 Sept., 1792.

f. Isaac Skillings, b. 16 June, 1794.

Names of other children, if any, of Abigail and husband, Job
lyunt, not known.

2nd. Mary, bapt. in 1732, in Falmouth; mar. 18 Dec, 1752,
Isaac Skillings. Issue :

I. Sarah, who mar. Michael Lunt.

II. Mary, who mar. William Malone.

III. Benjamin, who mar. Mary Pride.

IV. Eleanor, who mar. William Cleaves.

3d. Sarah Weeks; bapt. in 1734, in Falmouth; mar. (intention
published 13 March, 1756), Daniel Wood; mar. (2nd) 27 Oct., 1776,
Daniel Green; her father deeded to her a tract of land in Falmouth.
Issue, by husband, Daniel Green:

I. Daniel Wood, b. 15 Nov., 1778.

II. Nabby, b. 19 Mar., 1780.

4th. Nelly ; in 1789 her father deeded her land adjoining property
of Daniel Green; was then unmarried.

5th. Thankful, bapt. in 1737, in Falmouth; mar. (intention pub-
lished 20 Aug., 1761), Benjamin Trott, b. in 1737, son of John and
wife Lydia; to them were deeded by Joshua, his part of Peak's
island, where they resided. Issue :

I. Joshua, who mar. in 1799, Elizabeth Bartlett; had children,
William; Daniel; George; Jane; Polly; and Sally.

II. Elizabeth, who mar. in 1807, Daniel Bartlett of Freeport.

III. Abigail, who mar. Samuel Woodbury; had children, Ben-
jamin; William; James; Eliza J.; and James F.

IV. Thankful, b. i Jan., 1769.

V. Benjamin, b. 30 Dec, 1770; mar. in 1799, Susannah Bartlett;
had children, Samuel; Benjamin; Thomas B.; Betsey, Sarah A.; and
Eydia.

VI. Mary, b. 21 Nov., 1773; mar. Samuel Rand.

3. Thomas, b. about 1703; mar. Martha Wiggin, dau. of Thomas;
lived in Greenland ; estate inventoried in July, 1753; no issue known.

4. Samuel, b. about 1705. See division 14.

5. Anthony, b. 25 Jan., 1708. See division 15.

6. Mary, b. about 1709; d. young; name not mentioned in will.

7. Abigail, b. in 17 10; d. young; name not mentioned in will.

8. Eleanor, b. in 1712; mar. Folsom and had six children.

9. James, b. about 1714. See division 16.

10. Mary, b. about 1716; d. i May, 1800; mar. 24 May, 1739,
Joseph Fabyan, b. i Apr., 1707, d. 15 May, 1789; he and his
brother John, were the first of the name in Scarboro, in which town
they lived until their deaths. Issue:

1st. Joshua, b. in March, 1742; mar. Sarah Brackett; d. 20 June,
1799. Issue (see div. 15, fam. i.)

2nd. Mary, bapt. 2 Feb., 1746; mar. (ist) John Brackett (see
div. 15, fam. 2) ; (2nd) Pelatiah March.

3d. Elizabeth, bapt. 19 June; 1748; mar. William Haggett.

4th. Phebe, bapt. i July, 1750; mar. 2 Dec, 1767, Nicholas
Dennett.

JOSHUA, OF GREENLAND 93

5th. Mehitable, bapt. 28 June, 1752 ; mar. James Brackett (see
div. 15, fam. 4); d. i July, 1832.

6th. Olive, b. 23 Oct., 1755; mar. Charles Moulton.

11. Keziah, b. i Nov., 1717; d. in 1765; mar. 13 Dec, 1738,
Henry Clark, b. 23 Apr., 171 7; son of Henry and wife, Elizabeth
Greenleaf, of Newberry, Mass.; removed from Greenland, N. H., to
Candia, N. H., in 1765. Issue:

1st. Nathaniel, b. 19 Mar., 1744.

2nd. John, b., 20 May, 1760; d. 21 Dec, 1831; mar. 22 Dec,
1785, Lydia Deavitt, b. 3 Dec, 1759; dau. of Joseph of Exeter; a Con-
tinental soldier; settled in Campton, N. H.

Six other children whose names have not been learned.

12. Margaret, b. in 1719 ; d. in 1749.

13. Nathaniel, b. in 1721. See division 17.

CHAPTER VIII.

SAMUEL BRACKETT, THE FIRST IN BERWICK.

Samuel Brackett, the son of Thomas (see chap. IV) and wife
Mary Mitton, and grandson of Anthony Brackett, the immigrant,
was bore at Falmouth, Me., about 1672. In some genealogical pub-
lications his birthday is given as April 27th, a statement based
wholly upon another, viz., that he was eighty years of age at the
time of his death, which occurred on April 27, 1752. There is no
reliable authoritj^ for the day and month of his birth; he, himself,
perhaps did not know them. Both of his parents were dead before
he completed the sixth year of his age, and town and other records
had been destroyed ; thus he was deprived of the sources from which
he could learn his age. At the time his father was killed he was
taken captive by the Indians. It is traditional that upon his
redemption b)'' his grandfather from captivity, he went to live with
his aunt Martha in Kittery, Me. Her husband, John Grove, was a
ver}^ worthy man ; he united with the Quakers and thereby became
useful in developing the spleen of God's chosen people of the daj^
in that localitj^ whose delight, next to a trial for witchcraft, then
was to worry a Quaker. Grove, who had enough sense to shake the
dust of the place from his feet, went to Crompton, R. I., to live,
where probably he died. Before his departure from Berwick he
instilled into young Samuel's head, something besides the fanaticism
of the day; later on, though we shall find that Samuel was con-
nected with the saints in a religious way, as he was obliged to be in
order to dwell in peace, we shall also find that he was not a model
saint after the heart of Cotton Mather.

Samuel Brackett married November 25, 1694, Elizabeth Botts, the
Rev. Edward Thompson, minister of Berwick, officiating. She was
an inhabitant of Berwick, was one year younger than her husband,
and a daughter of Isaac Botts. He was killed October 15, 1675, by
the Indians in an attack on Salmon Falls in Berwick ; on that da}'-
they had killed one Richard Tozier at his home not far from the
garrison house of Lieutenant Roger Plaisted. A party of nine men
were sent out to reconnoiter ; it was ambushed and Isaac Botts was
one of three who were killed. In a letter under date of October 16,
1675, Lieutenant Plaisted gave an account of the affair and the
names of the men who were slain, whom he said, were his best men.
On the same day Plaisted, himself, was killed in an attempt to
recover the bodies of those who lost their lives the day before. Near
to where he fell he was buried, and a monument has been erected at
his grave. It is supposed that close to the place was buried the body
of Isaac Botts. His home was near to the center of the settlement
at Salmon Falls, but a few rods from the mill ; his land bordered on
Salmon Falls brook. His wife's Christian name was Elizabeth. In

SAMUEL, OF BERWICK 95

July, 1679, she married Moses Spencer, b. about 1642, d. about 1719;
their children were Moses Spencer, Jr., b. about 1680, mar. Elizabeth
C. Abbott, d. in 1746; Isaac, b. about 1682, mar. Elizabeth Emery,
d. in 1736. ISIary, b. about 1684, mar. Joseph Jones.

Elizabeth Botts, daughter of Isaac, was about a year old when
her father was killed ; upon her mother's remarriage she became a
member of the family of Moses Spencer, and was one of its members
at the time of her marriage with Samuel Brackett. Certainly she
and young Samuel could relate doleful tales of harrowing times.
Indian wars meant sorrow and affliction for them ; they meant to
them in their married life, not death nor captivity it is true, but the
living in block and garrison houses in times of peril, and a narrow
escape from death by the young husband on one occasion, owing to
his being fleet of foot. He could name a score of relatives who had
been killed or captured by the Indians. He had reached the six-
teenth year of his age when war with the Indians commenced in 1688,
which continued for over ten years. So he early in life became a
soldier, was ever ready for duty, was a minute-man of the time.
From 1688 to 1693 there were dreadful times in Berwick. The
inhabitants of Maine were hard pressed to maintain their frontier
post in the town of Wells. In March, 1690, thirty-four people were
killed and fifty-four were taken captive bj' the Indians in an attack
on the settlements of South Berwick., Several outrages were com-
mitted in the town in July, 1691, and there were frequent attacks
during the years 1692 and 1693. In the neighboring towns frightful
massacres occurred.

As a result of the successes of the Indians, Berwick was deso-
lated for three years ; the settlers had abandoned their homes and the
town. In 1693, there were negotiations with the Indians for a peace,
and there were promises to that end. For nearly six years longer,
hostilities were carried on in a desultory way in Berwick, and there
were one or two attacks on the settlers in the town. The settlers
began to return to their homes in the year 1693, and through the
vigilance and active service of the four companies of troops stationed
in the several towns "to the Eastward," some degree of safety was
secured to the people of Berwick. Another Indian war commenced
in 1703, and continued to 1713. During this war the settlers did not
desert the town ; however, many of them were compelled to forsake
their homes and dwell in block and garrison houses, and attacks
by the Indians were not infrequent. In one of the^e wars, Samuel
Brackett was wounded, received a long knife cut in his abdomen,
which let out his intestines; these he hastil}^ gathered in their place
and with his hands tightl}^ pressed over the wound, lie ran for the
garrison house, which he reached without further accident. This
incident the writer has heard his father relate, to whom it was told
by his grandfather, Deacon James Brackett, who lived near or with
Samuel Brackett for twenty-eight years. It is probable that Samuel
Brackett served as a soldier in one or more of the several expeditions
against the French, though nothing is known as to his having so
served.

During these long weary years of war, when danger to life was
imminent at all times, and ever}^ day brought its prospect of destruc-
tion of property and of combat with a most determined foe; with

96 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

houses burned, stock destroyed, farms deserted and members of fam-
ilies maimed or in captivity ; in this land of desolation, rapine, woe
and want, the Puritan church official forgot not to prowl on a heresy
hunt. If no better game than a delinquent, one who did not pay his.
tax for the support of the divine or who did not frequent the place
of worship where said divine preached his stern doctrine, was
brought to bay, it was bagged, ^though said official much preferred to
see a Quaker whipped or a defenseless old woman in jail on a charge
of witchcraft. Young Samuel was bagged early in his married
life, — needed special care did young Samuel, as he had been reared
by a Quaker. In June, 1696, he was charged with the crime of "not
frequenting the public worship of God on the Lord's day;" later
he and his wife were charged with a similar offense ; he was fined
five shillings and she was admonished. Imagine, if you can, the
state of mind of Samuel and of his pretty young wife, after listening
to censure for their neglect to support a church for which they
had no affection, — she with all the meekness of a gentle, loving
woman, and he, the soul of honor and manhood. The picture of her
in modest mien, her babe in her arms, listening to the tirade, is pres-
ent as these words are written. The solace of a poverty-stricken,
war-desolated home far excelled the consolation which that church
could afford, though its minister lived to preach for a century the
promises to come.

Samuel Brackett was a near neighbor of Moses Spencer; he lived
at Pound hill, less than one-half mile south of the Country road to
Rocky hills. His other neighbors were Deacon Nathan Lord,
James Warren, James Emery, Captain James Grant, and Richard
Heard, He possessed several tracts of land at one time and another.
June ID, 1703, from the town of Kittery, of which Berwick was
then a part, he received a grant of fifty acres. In 1709, he~sold fifty
acres. In 17 10, he sold eighteen acres of his wife's land which was
purchased by her father in 1671. Then w^e have this entry bearing
date May 10, 1715: "Measured and laid out to Samuel Brackett
sixty acres of land by virtue of a grant' to Isaac Botts by the parish
of Unity in the town of Kittery, April 13, 1671, which Brackett is
husband to said Botts, his daughter, and it lies at the head of Ser-
geant Tozier's land at Salmon Falls."

The site of the house of Samuel Brackett is still pointed out ;
a small pond which was near the house may be seen by visitors ;
there remains a well with its rugged rock walls, which tradition says,
he dug. Where he built his house, he lived his remaining days,
raised his family, and died. Before the administration of his estate
was completeli, his good wife died at the age of eight}' years. The
following is a list of his personal property, as shown by the inventory
made by his administrator, Samuel Brackett, Jr. Cash ^8 New
Hampshire mone}-, or ^5, S15., our province (Massachusetts).
"His wife de'c, her wearing apparel," 7 gowns, 3 silk crepe ones,
8 petticoats, 3 under-vests, 2 silk hoods, i riding hood, i pair of
stays, black gauze handkerchief, black fan, i pr. of sleeve buttons,
3 pr. of cotton gloves, muslin and linen aprons, considerable number
of other articles. Also i cow, ;^2o; 2 ewes and 2 lambs, ^8; i
heifer, coming in, four months, ;^i8; heifer's calf, ^3; one heifer,
coming in, in 3 months, ^18; large breeding sow and shoat, ^11;

B.'AP OF BERWICK

98 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

books SI I ; 2 pewter platters ; looking glass ; i woolen wheel ; i
great chair; 4 old small ones ; number of other articles of furniture.
Issue, not in order of birth:

1. Samuel, b. 6 Sept. 1695. See chapter IX.

2 Mary, bapt. an adult, 20 Dec, 1719 ; d. 28 I-eb. 1773;
mar Thomas Tuttle of Dover. This family were Quakers ; children
were Mary; Hope; Sarah; Elisha ; Samuel; Thomas; Abigail;
Ebenezer; Reuben; Bathsheba.

3. Bathsheba, mar. Jonathan Abbott; d. Feb. 21, 1802.

4 Elizabeth, bapt. an adult, 20 Dec, 1719; mar. Samuel Abbott.

5. Hannah, mar. Samuel Thompson; bapt. 24 Dec, 1719-

6. Dorothy, bapt. 21 Jan., 1728.

CHAPTER IX.

SAMUEL BRACKETT, JR., OF BERWICK.

Samuel Brackett, Jr., the son of Samuel Bracket! (see chapter
VIII) and wife Elizabeth Botts, was born September 6, 1695, in
Berwick, Maine. He had reached the eighteenth year of his age in
1 7 13, when ended the Indian war which commenced in 1703; it is
probable that he rendered military service in that war. During
IvOvewell's war, from 1723 to 1725, there were some disturbances —
forays by the Indians — in the town. In those days there were few
delinquents in the performance of military duty, hence there is little
doubt that Samuel, Jr., was a soldier in Love'well's war. The town
of Berwick was organized in 17 13. Even in the long Indian wars
which ended during that year the population had rapidly increased,
owing not so much to immigration as' to the large families of the set-
tlers. In instruments by which he conveyed land, he is described as
"turner" though it is well known that during his entire life, after he
reached maturity, he was engaged in farming. The Second church
of Berwick was organized in 1755; he and his wife Abigail were
charter members; he was chosen deacon June 12, 1755, and elder
July 21, 1768; he managed to live on fairly good terms with the
parson, was not fined for absenting himself from church on the
Eord's day, nor was his wife "admonished." Also he was honored
in a political way, was chosen one of the selectmen of the town in
1749, again in 1750, and probably held minor town offices from time
to time. The farm he cleared is owned by one of his descendants ;
it has passed from father to son through five generations. On the
farm is a family burying ground where are the graves of Samuel
Brackett, Jr., and of his wives. At his grave is a well preserved
headstone. In the yard are graves unmarked by stones, and these
are thought to be the graves of Samuel, Sr., and of his wife, Elizabeth
Botts.

The house of Samuel, Jr., was about three and one-half miles
south from the house of his father, on the westerlj^ slope of Black-
berry hill, quite one-half mile from the top of the hill, two and
one-half miles east of Berwick village, three miles north of South
Berwick village and four and one-half miles west of North Berwick
village ; it is now (1906) the property of Mr. Benjamin Brackett and
forms (at least a part of it) the ell of his residence.

The first wife of Samuel Brackett, Jr., was Sarah Emery. To
her he was married Aug. 11, 1720. She was one of a family of four-
teen, was born in Kittery (Berwick) Feb. 4, 1700. d. Dec. 20, 1742,

was dau. of Job Emer3^ He was b. , d. later than 1737, mar.

Apr. 6, 1696, Charit}^ Nason, was son of James Emery. He came to
America with his father in the ship "James," was b. in Eng. in

L Of C.

100 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

i6-;o mar. Elizabeth , who died subsequently to 1687 ; he was in

Berwick in 17 13. removed there from Dedham, had grants m Kittery,
1653 was selectman of the town for several years, elected represent-
ative to the general court in 1693-4-5 ; was a large man weighed
over three hundred and fifty pounds ; it is related of him that when
he went to Boston his conveyance was an ox-cart on which w^as
placed a chair ; there was not a carriage in Kittery large or strong
enough to hold him ; died later than 17 14, was son of Anthony. He
was born in Romsey, Hants, England, landed m Boston June 3,
163s was in Kittery, Me., in 1649, removed m 1660 to Rhode Island;
mar.' Frances , was perhaps second son of John Emery and wife

^"charity Nason, the wife of Job Emery, was daughter of Jona-
than Nason. He was in Kittery in 1670, was probably killed m an
accident- in 1691, married Sarah Jenkins; was son of Richard. He
was livino- at Pipestave landing in Kittery in 1639; m 1665, he was
accused of blasphemy; the general court "did not judge him guilty
of that fact, as that by our laws he ought to die," but required him
to o-ive a bond for his good behavior; he gave the bond, and as his
behavior had always been so good, the people of Kittery elected him
representative to the general court ; that body would have none of
him refused to permit him to take his seat. In 1655, he was pre-
sented (indicted) for not attending meeting. That he was a thor-
oucrhly bad man from a Puritan point of view of the day, is shown by
the' record of his conviction, in 1659, of the crime of entertaining
Quakers for which he was fined five pounds. His wife's name was
probably Sarah Baker. There is authority for saying that he came to
America from Stratford-on-Avon, where, at the time he left, there
were manv persons of his name, and where Nasons are still found; a
Richard Nason was there baptized August 3, 1606, son of John
Nason who married October 28, 1600, Elizabeth Rogers.

Sarah Jenkins, who married Jonathan Nason, was daughter of
Re-^^inald Jenkins, born 1608; he was in the employ of John Winter at
RicTimond island; his wdfe's Christian name was Ann; they probably

were Quakers. a 1 • -i

Samuel Brackett, Jr., married second September 12, 1743, Abigail
Cass- she was the widow of Thomas Cass of Portsmouth and daugh-
ter of Jonathan Banfill of Portsmouth. In 1757, administration on
his estate was granted to her second husband. What is supposed to
be in her handwriting, is a list of the names, with dates of birth, of the
children of Samuel, Jr.; it is the oldest family record of any of our
name, and its contents have made comparatively easy the compiling
of the genealogy of his descendants. She died in September, 1789.
His death occurred December 31, 1786. He lived to see his numer-
ous grandsons come marching home victorious m a war, which had
ushered into life a nation. It was not until after his death that there
was any exodus of Bracketts from Berwick. At the time of his
death, four of his sons were residents of the town. Issue:

1. 'john, b. 29 June, 1720. See division 8.

2. Isaac, b. 7 Oct., 1722. See division 9.

3. Samuel, b. 5 Aug., 1724. See division 10.

4. James, b. 22 Apr., 1726. See division 11.

5. Joshua, b. 9 July, 1728. See division 12.

SAMUEL, JR., OF BERWICK 101

6. Mary, b. 2 Oct., 1730; mar. John Woodsum, bapt. 16 Apr.,
1732, son of Joseph and wife Abigail Abbott. They were received
into the Second church in Berwick in 1755; she d. 16 May, 1798; had
son, Matthew, b. in 1749.

7. Elizabeth, b. 20 Feb., 1733; mar. 30 Sept., 1756, John Kil-
gore; she d. in 1821; had son, Samuel, b. in 1777, who mar. Sally
Hastings of Eastport and had ten children.

Sarah, b. 8 June, 1736; bapt. 13 June, 1736; d. 15 June, 1739.
Jacob, b. 8 Nov., 1737; bapt. 20 Nov., 1737; d. 18 Nov., 1739.

Joseph, b. 7 Apr., 1739; bapt. 22 Apr., 1739; d. 7 Oct., 1742.

Sarah, b. 15 Nov., 1742; bapt. 26 Nov., 1742; mar. 21 June,
Zebulon Eibby; she d. 4 Mar., 1825. Children were John;

Susannah; Hannah; E^^dia; Mary; Eevi; Ira.

Bathsheba, b. 19 June, 1744; mar. Pray; d. 27 Apr., 1806,

Joseph, b. 22 Oct., 1746; d. 8 Feb., 1755.

Olive, b. 6 Sept., 1750; d. 13 Oct., 1751.

CHAPTER X.

ANTHONY BRACKETT OF BOSTON,

Anthony Brackett was the son of Captain Anthony Brackett and
wife Mary (see chapter V). He was born, probably in Boston, Janu-
ary 25, 1708; mention of his birth is contained in the town records of
Hampton, New Hampshire. He was the only son his father had.
The authority for this statement is not a family record, but a deposi-
tion made in court by Jasper Blake in June, 1763, — an instrument of
evidence relative to the ownership of land in Falmouth; the deponent
at the time was sixty-nine years old and was the husband of Susan-
nah Brackett, an aunt of Anthony of Boston, his father's half sister;
he removed from Hampton to Falmouth in 1733. Said deposition
reads as follows:

"I alwa5^s heard and understood that Captain Anthon}^ Brackett
of Falmouth, whose first wife was Ann Mitton, dwelt on a large farm
in said Falmouth at a place called and known as Back cove. I have
also heard that said Captain Anthony Brackett had sundry children
by said Ann Mitton, whose names were as follows: Anthony, Seth,
Mar}', Elinor and Keziah. Anthony was the eldest son of said Ann
and dwelt in Falmouth, from where he moved to Boston, and that he
followed coasting business in the latter part of his days. And I
always heard and understood that Anthony Brackett of Boston, rope
maker, was the only son of said Captain Anthony Brackett last men-
tioned, and wife Marj^ * * *."

Although Anthony of Boston is mentioned in the deposition as
following the trade of rope-maker and is described in instruments of
conve5'ance as "rope maker," if he ever followed that occupation it
was in his younger days; he was an innkeeper in Boston, where he
lived all his life. Perhaps, first married Jan. i, 1729, in Boston
Alithea Drown; he married second in Boston, February 8, 1735,
Elizabeth Majdem, the Rev. Thomas Prince officiating; she died
June 27. 1768; will dated May 9, 1768. proven July 15, 1768.

About 1733, or earlier, Anthon}' commenced proceedings to
recover Peak's island. It will be remembered that three of his aunts,
sisters of his father, resided in Boston; from these he purchased their
respective interests in Michael Mitton's estate. One of them, Elinor,
married a Richard Pulling (PuUin) of Boston; she was a widow in
1 73 1, and in that 3'ear she deeded lands in Casco to Anthony. The
other Mitton heirs were the descendants of the sisters of his grand-
mother, Ann Mitton Brackett; one of these was Mary Mitton, who
married Thomas Brackett. One of the children of Mary Mitton
Brackett was Joshua Brackett who lived in Greenland, New Hamp-
shire, who purchased the interests of his mother's other children in
the Mitton estate. Other heirs were descendants of Mitton's daugh-

ANTHONY, OF BOSTON 103

ters, Elizabeth who married Lieutenant Thaddeiis Clark, Sarah who
married John Andrews, and Martha who married John Grove. With
Anthony was associated a Mr. Smith of Boston; they perhaps pur-
chased the interests of some of the last mentioned parties, and the
two in conjunction with Joshua Brackett were the prime movers in
plans to recover the Mitton estate. The portion which was the sub-
ject of great contention, was Peaks island. Michael Mitton pur-
chased it from Sir Ferdinando Gorges, whose agent in the business
was, perhaps, his nepew, Thomas Gorges. Upon the death of
Mitton in about 1660, his widow conveyed the island to John Phillips
and to his son-in-law, George Munjoy, husband of his daughter Mary.
Munjoy's daughter Mary married John Palmer; the heirs of Mary
Munjoy Palmer were among the parties from whom the Mitton heirs
souglat to recover Peak's island.

Under date of March 7, 1733, from Boston, Anthony wrote his
cousin Joshua of Greenland —

"As to the affair of the island Mr. Maylem and I expected to
have heard from you before now about the matter. I think that we
should not be thus easy about the matter as we are. I think it will
be best for 3'ou to go down to the island when }'OU are there (Fal-
mouth) and if 3'ou find anything there built of Munford (as the word
appears — original, nearly illegible) or anj^ under him, to cut it down —
and then let him sue us, — and to take witnesses with you and warn
them off in our name and yours and we will stand by you in the
matter. Sir, we would have sent you money before now if you
would have let us have known what would (not deciphered), and we
expect that you will be active in the affair and we will assist."

However, it was not until 1741, that there was au}^ trial in
actions commenced between the parties. In that year there was a
suit tried at York, involving title to four thousand acres of land.
The Rev. Thomas Smith of Portland, was a party to the suit, opposed
to the Mitton heirs, and in his journal under date of June 23, 1741,
wrote "Our great case came on this morning and was not finished
till between nine and ten at night." The next day he wrote "The
jury brought in against us."

Peak's island, as is generally understood, was involved in the
suit tried in 1641; there is, possibly, some doubt that it was, for in
1742, said Rev. Thomas Smith claimed to own one-third of the
island. As will be seen, the two Bracketts and the Mr. Smith of
Boston were very active in their efforts to acquire possession of it in
1643, and did so; also that in 1643, action for the recovery of the
island was commenced by the Palmer heirs. It is thought that the
letter written by Anthony to Joshua on June 27, 1743, throws a great
deal of light upon the status of the legal proceedings and the contro-
versy, perhaps, is of local historical importance, and, therefore, its
contents are here set forth. It is indorsed "To Mr. Joshua Brackett
at Greenland near to Portsmouth in Piscataqua, to be left at Mr.
Clark's tavern at Greenland." The absence of the deference paid
by the writer to Ivieutenant Joshua, in his earlier correspondence,
and the repleteness of directions the following contains, suggest that
though addressed to Lieutenant Joshua, the letter was intended for
Joshua Jr. of Falmouth.

104 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

"Boston, June 27, 1743.
Mr. Joshua Brackett.

I received a letter from you dated April the first and I wrote
you an answer to that letter and enclosed in it a lease or acknowl-
edgement from William Davis that he holds possession of Peak's
Island in the right of Michael Mitton heirs and is tennant to them.
I have since received another letter from you wherein you write that
5'ou have received my letter and the writing under William Davis'
hand, which I desire you to keep very safe, which may be of great
benefit to us. I suppose 3'ou was in haste when you wrote j^our let-
ter to me for you do not write fully of the particulars of the case. I
wish you had and that you had sent me a copy of the writ against
Mr. Davis, that I and Mr. Smith might have asked advice of the
lawyer here, which would be of advantage to you as well as others
of the Mitton heirs; but now Mr. Smith and I are at a great loss
what to do. You write that the case is to be tried at York in July.
I pray that you will inform Mr. Parker and Mr. lyivermore fully of
our case; it will be needful for you to get an attested copy of George
Cleaves and Thomas George's deed to Michael Mitton and the
assignment that Mitton's widow made of it to George Phillips or
George Munjoy, by which it will appear that the widow Mitton had
no right or power to dispose of the island, and Mr. Parker and
Livermore will know how to act properly in the case. I earnestly
desire that 5'ou will give Mr. Parker and Mr. I^ivermore good fees
and pay them the money and desire them to do the best they can for
our interests; and then I believe they will do all that may be needful
for us. I think that we shall lose the case at the inferior court,
which I shall not be sorry for; it may be of advantages to us for then
we can appeal to the superior court; and if we are cast at the inferior
court I desire that 3'ou will give bond to prosecute the appeal at
the superior court. Ask advice of Mr. Parker and Mr. Livermore
about it and do all that is needful that we may have the case tried at
the superior court, and then bring all our strength and title by which
it will appear that the island doth belong to the Mitton heirs; and
I hope we shall overcome our enemies that try to take it from us. I
desire that you will be very kind and generous to Mr. Davis and
make him easie, and then he will be true to our interests and do the
best he can for us when the case is tryed at York, whether we are
cast or not I desire that j^ou will get an attested copj^ from the clerk
of the inferior court of the writt against Mr. Davis and all the other
papers that may be put into court relating to the case and send them
to me as soon as may be. I desire that you will be very careful that
all things maj^ be done according to law. Let nothing be wanting
on your part that may be done and I and Mr. Smith will pay our
proportion of the money for the charges and assist 3'ou to the utmost
of our power. Time will not admit to enlarge, but I earnestly desire
you will do the best j^ou can and write iuWy to me about the case,
and we will write to you again in little time. Mr. Smith and I
intend to appear at the superior court with all the papers and hope
we shall recover the island which is our just due. I have not time
to enlarge, but money nor our assistance shall not be wanting.
Show this letter to Mr. Parker and Mr. Livermore. Enclosed is

ANTHONY, OF BOSTON 105

attested copy of Cleaves and Georges deed to Mitton and the widow
Mitton's assignment to John Phillips. I am, your

humble servant,

Anthony Brackett."

The title to the island was the subject of litigation as late as
1763; in 1762, a suit was tried in the inferior court, and in the supe-
rior court in 1763; the party then opposed to the Mitton claimants,
was a Capt. John Waite, a Palmer heir, and two-ninths of the island
was aw^arded to him. The Rev. Thomas Smith entered in his diary,
"Capt. Waite recovered against the Bracketts two-ninths, i e one-
ninth he purchased of PuUen and wife, which some years before I
had purchased of them and the deed recorded; whether that may not
be considered my possession ?" He never got it.

It is generall}' accepted by those who have written as to this
contest, that Captain Waite recovered two-ninths under the Palmer
title; it may be that he did, but it is thought that he recovered as
a purchaser from some of the Mitton heirs; that "PuUen and wife"
were Richard Pulling and wife Elinor Brackett of Boston; it is not
understood how, if as an heir. Captain Waite recovered, that either
the Mitton title or the Palmer title was considered good to the entire
island, as one of them must have been. "The Bracketts" referred
to in Parson Smith's diary were Anthony Brackett and Joshua
Brackett, brothers, of Portland, sons oi Joshua of Greenland, N. H.,
and possibly Anthony of Boston, though it is probable that the latter
had conveyed his interest to the brothers before 1763.

As before said, Anthony was an innkeeper; for nineteen years,
from 1 74 1 to 1760, he was the proprietor of Cromwell's Head inn
on School street, Boston; after his death his widow kept the inn until
her death, when his son Joshua conducted the business. Mr. Jeffrey
Richardson says in his genealogy of the Bracketts (descendants of
Captain Richard) — "In the Boston Directory of this year (1789),
I find 'Joshua Brackett, inn-holder, Cromwell's Head, South Ivatin
street' * * *. An Anthony Brackett kept the tavern in 1760 and
probably died in 1764; after his decease, I learn that his wadow
carried on the tavern a few years, and that in front of the door was
suspended a swing sign with a shipwreck painted on it, and under
it this inscription —

'I am compassed with sorrows round
Please lend a hand my ship's aground.'

The tavern at this time was quite a resort for seamen and stood
opposite the Universalist church where is now (1857) Palmer's
drug store."

Mr. Albert S. Pratt, (died December 9, 1902), who resided on
Brookline street, Boston, a descendant of Anthony, was of the opinion
that the tavern wdth the sign of the shipwreck was not the one w^hich
was kept by his ancestors. Under date of March 9, 1901, he wrote —

"George Cleeve was the agent of Alexander Rigby, when Crom-
well became Lord Protector and deputy-governor of the province
then called Ligonia — Rigby's province. This would indicate where
our Anthonj' got the name for his inn, 'Cromwell's Head.' * * *_
I do not think Mr. Jeffrey Richardson's account of the inn — its exact
location or character, is strictly accurate. Cromwell's Head Inn was
a little further down School street. The sign was a head of Crom-

106 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

well — of which I have an imprint. It was a gentleman's inn as
distinctive from the lower class of inns of sailors, mechanics, appren-
tices, etc. It is said that, during the occupation of Boston by the
British troops, the sign was ordered taken down bj' the military
officers, as it hung very low over the walk and people had to stoop in
passing under it. The 'ship-in-distress tavern' was in the vicinity
of North square, not in School street."

The Cromwell's Head inn was a wooden building; in 1802, it
was advertised for sale. It is said that Colonel George Washington
was a guest at the tavern, when a young man.

Anthon}' died in 1764; his will was probated during that 3^ear;
items in the inventory were tracts of real estate in F'almouth and
Gorham; a pew in Dr. Sewall's church, and among other effects a
Negro bo3% value, ^46-13-4. In his will he mentioned that his two
sons Anthony, and Maylem, went "beyond seas and never heard
from," and called his son Joshua, "supposed eldest son." Issue:

1. Anthony; a sailor; probably perished at sea.

2. Maylem; a sailor; 'probably perished at sea.

3. Joshua, b. in 1738; mar. 6 Oct., 1763, Abigail Pond of
Dedham, Mass.; d. at the age of 56 years; estate was administered in
1794; was proprietor of Cromwell's Head inn from 1768 to time of
his death; had one dau., Abigail, b. in 1780, who mar. 13 Apr., 1796,
Major Erastus L>'man of Northampton, Mass.; she died, leaving sur-
viving one child, Abigail Brackett. Major I^j^man removed from
Northhampton to Vermont. During the War of the Revolution
Joshua served on committees of safety and correspondence.

4. Elizabeth, b. 15 Jan., 1741; mar. in 1760, Ebenezer Simpson, b.
21 Mar., 1741, d. 11 Dec, 1796; shed. 12 Feb., 1831. Issue:

1st. Joshua B. 2nd. Abigail B. 3d. Elizabeth B. 4th. Sarah.
5th. Mar}^ R.; all of whom died under the age of six years.

6th. Sally, b. 5 Nov., 1776; mar. 5 Sept., 1802, John Pratt of
Boston, who d. at Cohasset, Mass., 6 May, 1834; she d. in Boston,
13 Apr., 1849. Issue:

I. John, b. 29 June, 1803; mar. 31 July, 1825, Mar}- Eambord of
Boston, where she d. 22 Sept., 1886; he d. in Boston 21 Nov., 1884.
Issue: All b. in Boston.

a. Sarah E., b. 14 May, 1827; mar. 3 Jan., 1850, Samuel W.
Ripley; d. 28 Jan., 1853, in Boston. Issue:

a. Charles T., b. i Dec, 1850; mar. 28 Apr., 1875, Mary P.
Ropes of Salem; reside in Dorchester, Mass.; had son, Walter B., b.
2 Aug., 1881, in Boston.

b. Charles H., b. 21 Aug., 1829; mar. 6 Feb., 1855, Rachel M.
Williams, b. 6 Aug., 1834; he d. at Chelsea, Mass., 20 June, 1888.
Issue:

a. Sarah E., b. 11 Jan., 1856, in Boston; d. 5 Sept., 1857.

b. Alice M., b. 20 Nov., 1857, in Boston; mar. 22 Oct., 1878,
George W. Chicken; had Helen M., b. 8 Apr., 1881, and George
H., b. 22 Mar., 1885; d. 31 Mar.. 1885.

c Mary E., b. 11 May, i860, in Boston; mar. 20 Nov., 1875,
Preston J. Calley; had Bertha M., b. 2 Mar., 1877; Gladys L., b. 22
Jan., 1889; Charles T., b. i Jan., 1893; Norman Brackett, b. 11
Dec, 1897.

ANTHONY, OF BOSTON 107

d. Helen G., b. i6 June, 1865, in Boston; mar. 24 June, 1888,
George W. McBride; had Marion Pratt, b. 3 Jan., 1890, Winthrop,
b. 19 Nov., 1894.

e. John, b. 18 Oct., 1867; d. 22 Nov., 1872.

f. Charles H., b. 26 Oct., 1869; d. 7 Nov., 1870.

g. Charles A., b. 26 June, 1874, at Chelsea.

c. Albert Stevens, b. 24 Maj^ 1833, in the rear of Christ's church,
Boston, Mass. His father, John Pratt, was v^^ell known as secretar}^
of the overseers of the poor of Boston for many years. His mother,
Mary I^ambord, was a lineal descendant of Richard P'loyd of Chelsea,
who was one of the historic tea-party, which dressed as Indians, threw
the cargo of tea into Boston harbor. After leaving school he went
to work for the dry goods firm of Lamb and Hanson on Bath street,
and later became book-keeper for Champne}^ Bros., located at corner
of Milk and Devonshire streets of which firm he was admitted a
member. In i860, he was appointed sole agent for New England for
Clark's O. N. T. spool cotton and was connected with the company
until his death 9, Dec. 1902. Was a member of the Vowel Club,
and also served as president of the Eliot School association. Repre-
sented old ward i in 1864, in the common council; also from 1867 to
1870 inclusive, represented the ward in the board of aldermen; as
chairman of committee on clocks and bells, had the first clock put
in the steeple of the old Christ church on Salem street; was the
originator of the order of the board of aldermen to widen Hanover
street to sixt^^ feet from Court street to Chelsea ferry. Was a mem-
ber of the First Corps of Cadets at the time of the Cooper street riots
and did service in front of Read's gun-store in Fanueil Hall square
and at the State House; married 7 Dec, 1858, Julia, dau. of Benja-
min Dodd. Issue:

a. Julia Marion, mar. in 1890, Albert Wiley.

b. Carrie Maud, b. 7 Oct., 1862; mar. 24 May, 1894, Charles
Edward Kelsey; reside Montvale road, Newton Center, Mass.; chil-
dren are Robert Pratt, b. 17 July, 1896, and Marion, b. 17 Aug.,
1899.

d. William, b. 18 Aug., 1834; d. 20 June, 1888, in Chelsea.

II. Charles of Cohasset, Mass. III. Caleb S. of Boston. IV.
William H., married twice; all deceased. V. Elizabeth Brackett,
spinster, is deceased. VI. Sarah S., spinster. VII. Mary S., mar.
E. B. Studley; reside in Cohasset.

7th. Polly, b. 12 May, 1780; d. 30 May, 1862; mar. 5 Feb.; 1804,
John Stevens. Issue: All b. in Boston.

I. Elizabeth Brackett, b. 13 Nov., 1804; d. 5 Sept., 1890; mar. i
•Oct., 1833, Thomas W. Seavers, b. 17 June, 1803. Issue:

a. John Stevens, b. 8 July, 1834; d. same day.

b. Thomas W., Jr., b. 5 Oct., 1835; mar. 6 Nov., 1867, Deborah
Jane Norton nee Parker of Kalamazoo, Mich. Issue:

a. John A., b. 12 Oct., 1868; is married.

b. Clarence P., b. 3 Oct., 1871; mar. Ada W. Burgess.

c. Mary R., b. 31 Nov., 1839.

II. Emily C, b. 26 July, 1806; d. 16 Dec, 1889. III. John, Jr.,
b. 21 Dec, 1807; d. 13 Aug., 1851. IV. Albert, b. 17 July, 1810;
d. 23 Dec, 1831. V. Cordelia M., b. 21 June, 1812; mar. 7 Apr.,
1836, Josiah Fuller; shed. 10 Jan., 1892. Issue:

108 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

a. John S., b. i8 Nov., 1838; mar. Mary A. Wetherbee; reside at
Welle sley, Mass.

b. William E., b. 8 Mar., 1841; d. 26 Aug., 1890; mar. Lucy J.
Wetherbee, who d. 16 Dec., 1899. Issue:

a. Marion E., b. 27 June, 1863; mar. Richard A. Oldrieve; she d.
12 Aug., 1888.

b. Walter C, b. 28 Mar., 1866; mar. i Sept., 1886, May M.
Marston; reside at Waltham; had Gertrude M., b. 20 Dec, 1889,
and Gladys M., b. 20 Dec, 1892; d. in Sept., 1893.

c William E., b. 16 Nov., 1867; mar. Delia Pole}'.

d. Arthur S., b. 2 Ma)-, 1872; mar. Eva May White; reside in
Westboro, Mass.; had Marion S., b. 19 June, 1895, and William, b.
17 July, 1898.

e. Alfred S., b. 30 Dec, 1875; mar. Amy Sauers; reside in West
Newton; had Dorothy S., b. 7 Apr., 1898.

f. Grace E., b. 11 Mar., 1881.

g. Chester Brackett, b. 25 Mar., 1885.

c. George G., b. 6 May, 1845; mar. Abba S. York of Freeport,
Me.; d. 29 Mar., 1899. Issue:

a. Herman D., b. 4 Apr., 1880.

V. Mary Augusta, b. 2 Aug., 1815; resided in 1901 at 22 Hoi--
3^oke St., Boston.

VI. Harriette S., b. 23 Aug., 1819; d. 27 Aug., 1819.

5. Thomas, b. about 1742. See division 2.

6. Mary, b. about 1743; d. 17 Aug., 1748; age, 5 yr. and 8 mo.

7. Benjamin, b. about 1745, was a mariner; mar. 19 July, 1791,
Hannah Davis; served as private in Capt. Isaac Martin's company,
Col. Ezra Woods' regiment, Maj. Gen. Spencer's brigade; marched
17, Apr. 1777, to Rhode Island; served 23 days. Roll sworn to at
Boston. Died without issue in 1794. Deeds of surviving brothers
and sisters to his property are not signed by the brothers "who went
bej'ond seas," indicating that thej^ had not returned.

8. Mary, who mar. 14 Jan., 1767, Aaron Willard of Lancaster,
Mass.

9. Nathaniel; was a soldier in the patriot armj'^ during the War of
the Revolution. No further record.

*l

CHAPTER XI.

CAPTAIN RICHARD BRACKETT, THE IMMI-
GRANT, OF BRAINTREE.

Captain Richard Brackett was one of the first of the name in
America. With certainty is it known that he was in the colony of
Massachusetts Ba}- as early as 1630 ; he probably came with Winthrop
in 1629. With his descendants the tradition is as general, as is the
tradition of a flood among the different peoples of the earth, that three
brothers by the name of Brackett were among the first colonists in
New England. Other Bracketts in the Bay colony at an early date
were Peter Brackett of Boston, and Thomas Brackett of Salem.

In 1629, the year he came to America, Richard Brackett was
only seventeen years old. There is his own statement on oath tend-
ing to show that the year of his birth was 161 2; he testified by
affidavit, on July 2, 1668, that he was filty-six years old. However,
on his tombstone is inscribed that he died in March, 1690, and was
then eighty years old; if true, he was born as early as 1610. His
exact age is of interest, bearing, as it does, on the question whether
or not* he was accompanied by a guardian when he came to America.
That he was so accompanied, it is reasonable to presume, as it also is
that the guardian was Peter Brackett, who probably was his elder
brother.

Captain Richard Brackett enjoyed the confidence and patronage
of the ruling powers of the colony from an early age in his life; on
quite all matters pretaining to religion and politics his views harmo-
nized fully with theirs, and it is not known that he was at variance
with them at any time on either question. He took a decided stand
against a large majority of the people of Braintree, on an important
matter involving their pecuniary interests, which will be related in its
proper connection. His life can be cited as typical in quite all partic-
ulars pertaining to his conduct as a man and a religionist, as strictly
puritanical. The mundane rewards which were his to enjoy, seem to
have been quite all the honors and favors which fall to one who seeks
rather to follow than to lead, and to follow closely upon the heels of
those who do lead. He seems to have gotten a fair share of those
things the colonists had to divide among themselves, to have been
fairly successful in his undertakings, and to have possessed a good
estate at the time of his death.

On August 27, 1630, he was among the colonists with whom
Governor Winthrop organized the First church of Boston; the instru-
ment is dated at Charlestown. Mr. Jeffrey Richardson wrote that the
church structure ' 'was at first a low thatched-roofed building which
was soon removed, and one was built where Brazier's building is on
State street." With this church he remained for twelve years, when
he removed to Braintree. Under date of September 8, 1635, one can

110 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

read in the church records that "Ahce wife of our brother Richard
Brockett signed the Covenant."

He was but twenty-three years of age in 1635, and had probably
been married but a short time when his wife joined the church.
Where the marriage took place or what was his wife's maiden name,
has not been learned. He was admitted freeman in Boston, Ma}^ 25,
1636, and on November 23, 1636, he became a member of the Ancient
and Honorable Artillery Company. Shortly prior, viz., March 21,
1636, he was granted a lot upon which to build; his choice was
limited to lots "not being built upon (and) is free to be otherwise
disposed of." He made selection of a lot now on Washington street,
nearly midway between the present West and Boylston streets;
he erected a house, about which was his garden, and there resided
until about November 20, 1637, when he was appointed by the gen-
eral court, keeper of the prison. His salary and perquisites were
^13, 6s, i8d (increased to i^20. June 6, 1639), and the use of a dwell-
ing house. The following year he sold his property on Washington
street. In Vol. I, p. 25, of Boston Town Proceedings is recorded: —

"Granted to our Brother Richard Brackett to sell his howse and
yarding June 11, 1638."

The propert}^ was sold to a Mr. Joseph I^eger.

The Town Proceedings give some information as to his occupa-
tion prior to his removal to Braintree; under date of February 12,
1639, it is recorded that leave was granted "to our Bro. Rich. Brackett
to mowe the Marsh lying in the Newfield which he hath usually
mowen, for this next summertime." It is clear that he had some-
thing to do in addition to his duties as jailer, had an eye open for
municipal windfalls, and 2i penchant for agriculture.

So strong within him was the desire to lead the life of a husband-
man,— in preference to that other calling so many of his fellow com-
patriots followed, viz., fishing, at which not a few acquired a deal of
wealth for the day, — that he decided to turn his attention quite
wholly to farming. Necessarily, to carry out his intention, he must
leave Boston.

In relating the period of his life when he is about to change his
place of residence, to leave Boston, it is proper to mention the refer-
ence to. Richard Brackett, by S. G. Drake in his Historj-- and
Antiquities of Boston. It occurs in his picture of Spring Lane, at
its conclusion, as he recalls the first settlers visiting the spring, and in
these words: —

"And grim Richard Brackett, the jailer, may have laid down his
halberd to quaff a morning draught."

Its briefness tells how pressed for data pertaining to those early
settlers, was the author, when it is known that these few words
present the information he had relative to grim Richard.

The writer has heard it stated that the jailer described in Haw-
thorne's Scarlet Letter, was grim Richard. It is hardly thought
that said description is of the individual, that the author had in mind
any particular person when he A^Tote.

Mr. Jeffrey Richardson mentions that Captain Richard Brackett
was jailer for many 3'ears. It is certain that he held the position to
the time of his removal to Braintree. Whether he held it subse-
quently to his removal, there is nothing to show.

RICHARD, OF BRAINTREE 111

The "luairsh lying in the Newfield which he hath usually mowen,"
and which grim Richard was granted leave to mow February 12, 1639,
w^as at Mt. Wollaston in Braintree, at the time a part of the town of
Boston. It was at the same mount where, some seventeen 3^ears or
more prior, Thomas Morton and his men set up in business, much
to the annoyance of the Plymouth colony. Their Maypole exercises
were of the merriest kind, and these and other doings brought the
merry-makers in such ill repute that they were driven out of the country
by the outraged saints. Braintree was incorporated in 1640. Captain
Richard was not only one of the early settlers of the town, but also was
associated with its incorporation. He removed to Braintree, perhaps,
about 1641 or 1642. The time is fixed by the date of his dismissal by
the church in Boston, concerning which there is uncertainty; in some
publications the date of dismissal is given as December 5, 1641; in
others. May 8, 1642. Under the latter date, the records of the First
church of Boston read: —

"Our Bro. Richard Bracket! was granted by the church to be
Dismissed to ye church at Braintree at theer desire with ye Office of
Deacon amongst you."

The lights of the First church of Boston entertained a high
opinion of the integrity of the young deacon, and this opinion was
shared by the Boston town authorities, as will be seen. The church
in Boston appears to have exercised -a. parental care over the new
church in Braintree, and insured its well being by patronizing it with
one of its model members as a deacon. He was ordained deacon
July 21, 1642. This ofhce in the church at Braintree, grim Richa/u
filled to the da\^ of his death.

There were tracts of land in Braintree that were owned or claimed
by the town of Boston; it appointed Captain Richard to oversee these
tracts as its agent, as the following shows: —

"Agreed with Captain Richard Brackett of Braintree that he
should, in the town's behalf, take care that noe v/ast or strip of w^ood
or timber be in the land belonginge to this town lyinge neere theier
towne; but do his utmost to prevent it, or give information to the
Selectmen. In consideration whereof he hath libertie to cutt out of
the wood already fallen to the value of 40 cord. 25 Dec. 1676."

Another time Captain Richard was granted by the town of
Boston: —

"lyibertie to cut soe much Tymber upon the Common land of
Braintree as may serve for ye buildinge of a ^ pte of a vessel of 25
Tun, in consideration of his care of the timber lands."

Vol. 6, p. 237, Suffolk County Deeds, reads: —

"Richard Brackett of Braintree, husbandman, sells 30 acres of
woodland in township of Braintree but belonging to Boston, and abt
25 years past by sd town of Boston gtd and laid out to other men as
b}' record of said town appeareth. 25 Oct. 1660."

Clearly, grim Richard was a trusted agent of the town of Boston.

There was another tract of considerable extent in Braintree,
which the town of Boston claimed. Quite all or a large part of the
tract, the town of Braintree purchased from an Indian chief. It was
the desire of a great portion of the people to commence action for the
recovery of the tract from Boston. This was opposed by a few of the
town, notabl}^ b)^ Richard Brackett and Edmund Quinc}^ They and

112 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

a Mr. Samuel Thompson, in March, 1682, were appointed a com-
mittee to treat with the town of Boston. The contest was a prolonged
one; as late as 1687, he was opposing the institution of proceedings
by Braintree against Boston, for the recovery of the land. Ultimately,
a committee of which he was a member, secured for Braintree, by set-
tlement, what is known as the six-hundred-acre lot.

He early became one of the town's officials; was its first town
clerk and held the office for some years. In 1652, he was chosen
selectman, and again in 1670 and 1672. The highest office his towns-
men could bestow upon him was that of deputy to the general court.
He was first selected to this position in 1643; next, in 1655; again, in
1665; in the latter year the colony had need of the services of its ablest
men in its contest over the province of Maine with the heir of Gorges.
It required the counsel of such men as grim Richard to successfully
steer the ship of state amidst the shoals and breakers, which were in
her course during the stormy period of the restoration.

Again, in 1667, grim Richard was Braintree' s deputy to the gen-
eral court. Also, commencing with 167 1, in said capacity he served
for four consecutive years, when there was a long interlude before he
went again as deputy. The reason was that there was sore need of
his services in another capacit3^ In the year 1675 commenced King
Philip's war, which continued until the latter part of the following
year. Before it closed, hostilities commenced in Maine, and no last-
ing peace was secured with the Indians until 1679. Until such peace
had commenced, grim Richard did not represent Braintree in the gen-
<. -^1 court, where he again took his seat, and for the last time, in 1680.

As intimated, he served his people in a militarj' as well as in a
civil and a religious way. He was chosen sergeant on the organiza-
tion of the train-band in Braintree, and held the rank for a few years
until he was promoted to that of lieutenant; was the second to hold
that office in the company. About 1654, he was appointed captain of
the company, the third to be so honored. For promotion to this office
it was necessary that the approval of the candidate should be made by
the general court — which was prompth^ done in his case. The fol-
lowing 5'ear he, him.self, was also a member of the general cottrt.

Judging from the promptitude he exercised in his own and the
town's affairs, and the regularity he observed in quite all his business
transactions, it is ventured that there was not a better drilled and
more thoroughh- capable train-band in the province than the one com-
manded by grim Richard. Though Braintree was near to Boston, as
secure from attack by the Indians as any of the towns, it did not
escape unscathed during King Philip's war. There was hardly a
town that did not suffer at the hands of the able chieftain. On Feb-
ruary 25, 1675, the Indians made a raid on Braintree and killed four
persons; in March, 1676, another person was killed. On the occasion
of these and other alarms, grim Richard's men promptly assembled at
the garrison houses where were collected the women and children;
scouts were despatched to ascertain the course and doings of the enemy;
messengers were sent to neighboring towns to give warning and sum-
mon aid, and an energetic pursuit was organized. I^ikewise, when
raids were made by the Indians in the neighboring towns to Braintree,
as frequently happened, messengers from these towns brought the
news of these attacks to its people, and grim Richard and his train-

RICHARD, OF BRAINTREE 113

band were soon in motion. It is regretted that hardly a scrap has
been preser\'ed of the part taken in King PhiHp's war, by Captain
Brackett and his company. Almost nothing has come down to us,
except the following, which probably is of some interest:

The raids by the Indians caused the colony to establish a garri-
son on or near the line between the towns of Braintree and Bridge-
water. The military committee of the general court appointed a Mr.
Richard Thayre to take charge thereof. This Thayre was ambitious
to earn his wages and a name for vigilance. He raised an alarm on
the most meager of rumors, stalked all the phantoms of the wilder-
ness, and stampeded at the approach of a horse or a cow of any color.
Night and day he had the people of Braintree afright at an immediate
prospect of being swooped down upon by the able chieftain and a
thousand of his braves; had grim Richard stirred up and his anger
thoroughl}^ aroused; his men worn out by keeping constant ward and
watch because of Thayre 's numerous scares and bugaboos. At last,
one day happened what Thayre prayed Dame Fortune to take place.
One of King Philip's men, John George, a poor half-starved wretch,
on his hand and knees went through the snow to the garrison house
and surrendered, — he was too weak to walk. He was the only
Indian that was seen by Thayre and his garrison during their cam-
paign. He proceeded to make the most of his luck; his achievement
in the capture of John George, was laudh^ proclaimed as an instance
of his vigilance and as evidence that real Indians were in the countr}^.
He kept John George in the garrison house for five weeks "'at the
expense of the towne," — was desirous of getting the Indian in good
physical condition as an exhibit. What with being constantly on the
alert for weeks, marching and countermarching at all seasons, night
and day; with being continually prepared for attacks that were never
made; with one false alarm but passing away before another was cur-
rent, grim Richard's patience was sorely strained. He had to put up
with it all, for Thayre was the general court's man. However, when
Thayre got a live Indian whom he kept in the garrison house at the
expense of the town, an opportunity was presented to do something.
The old jailer thought the jailwas a good enough place for John
George. Grim Richard was not the man to play at see-saw when he
had the means wherewith to do something effectual. He went with a
detail to the garrison house where Thayre was boarding John George,
took him away from his keeper and carried him forthwith to Boston.
It was Thayre who did the protesting and petitioning; said that he
had a grievance and that all his bills were not paid by the town.
Grim Richard had ready the evidence of his men in support of the
course he had taken, which was approved by those in authority.

The general court, in its might, took upon itself to banish the
poor Indian from the country, so its records read; that is, he was sold
into slavery. It is to be regretted that grim Richard did not turn the
Indian loose.

In Braintree, during his life. Captain Richard was among the
first in its church, military and civil affairs. He was held in high
esteem in Boston and other adjoining towns to Braintree, as he also
was in the surrounding towns. In all of these towns he had an
extensive acquaii^tftice with men of prominence, residents thereof; by
some of them he was nor^' "^ in their wills to administer their

114 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

estates, and was nominated by the court to administer the estates of
others, upon the petition of members of their respective famihes; his
name is frequently met with in such capacities. His selection for
such trusts attests his high standing for integrity in the families of
the decedents.

There is another position he filled, of which mention should be
made, viz., that of school master. Mr. Jeffrey Richardson is author-
ity that Captain Brackett was one who taught the vSchool in Braintree.

As he advanced in 3^ears he sought, but not too hastily, to dis-
burden himself of offices whose duties were cumbersome and brought
him little or no returns, and to look after positions where pa}^ was
attached for ser\dces performed. He could disclaim all sinister
motives for his course, as he had freely devoted the best j^ears of his
life to the common cause.

The records of the general -court, under date of October 15, 1684,
read: —

"On request of Captain Richard Brackett being 73 years of age
and the infirmities of age upon him: having formerly desired, and
now again to-da3^ to lay down his place as chief military commander
in Braintree, the court granted the request and appointed lyieut.
Edmund Quincy to succeed him."

At the time he had been connected with the company for upwards
of forty-three years, and for thirty years was its captain.

On the petition of the inhabitants of Braintree, he was appointed
October 15, 1679, to marr}^ and to take oaths in civil cases.

In Braintree his pursuit was farming; in deeds and other instru-
ments of record he is described as a husbandman. He had his choice
of the best land in the town and acquired a considerable estate.
When the town of Billerica, Mass., was incorporated, he became a
freeholder there, and two of his sons and two daughters settled in
Billerica. His years following his advent in Braintree, until he was
well past middle life, were devoted to the breaking and clearing of his
farm. Once done, he had time for other pursuits, such as teaching
school, administering estates and performing other services of a semi-
clerical and professional kind. At whatever age, he was busy, had
his daily duties in one or another capacity. At all times he w^as a
highly honored and respected personage in Braintree, and reached,
along all lines, religious, military and civil, such positions as he could
have had a laudable ambition to attain.

His wife was his lifelong companion from the time of their mar-
riage. Her death occurred in 1689. No stone marks the place of
her burial, but it is supposed that it is near his grave. He died
on March 5, 1690, "after an eminently useful, active and pious life,"
wrote his descendant, Mr. Jeffrey Richardson, Jr. He is buried in the
north precinct of Braintree, now Quincy. On the stone which marks
his last resting place one can read: —

"Here lyeth buried

ye body of

Captain Richard Brackett

Deacon

Aged 80 years

Deceased Mp — h 5

l6r

RICHARD, OF BRAINTREE 115

B

A silver cup inscribed r & a wsed in the Unitarian church in
Braintree (which in early days was Congregational), at communion
service, is the gift of Richard Brackett and his wife to the church.

His will reads:—

"January 29, 1689.

In the name of God, amen.

I, Richard Brackett of Braintree in New England, being mindful
of my mortallyty and being of memory and of a disposing mind a
trusting in God though Jesus Christ, my only savior for eternal life
salvation, revoking and making null all former wills by me made, do
make and ordain this my last will and testament as followeth.

My will is that all my just debts, if any be, be first paid, and
funeral charges be defraj^ed

Item. I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife, Allice
Brackett, all my estate in housing, orchards, lands, and meadows in
Braintr}^ for her comfortable subsistance during her natural life, as
also the income of my estate at Billerica.

Item. I give to the children of my son John Brackett one-
fourth part of all my land and meadows and housing in Billerica, as it
shall fall by equal division, to be equally divided to them and their
heirs. My meaning is the children that he had b}^ his wife, Hannah
Brackett.

Item. I give and bequeath the remaining three parts of my
housing, and lands, and meadows in . Billerica to my son Peter
Brackett, and son-in-law, Simon Crosby, and son-in-law, Joseph
Thompson, and to their heirs, to be equally divided between them.

Item. I give to my son Peter Brackett five pounds in current
pay, to be paid by my executors.

Item. My will is that the division of my lands in Billerica, as
above disposed, shall be made b}^ indifferent men, the persons con-
cerned in each fourth part to choose one man.

Item. My will is that the children of my son John, and Peter
Brackett, Simon Crosby and Joseph Thompson, shall pay unto the
two daughters of my son Joseph, deceased, Elizabeth and Sarah,
twenty pounds a piece in good pay when they shall attain the age of
twenty years respectively; and in want of the payment of said forty
pounds, they, the said Elizabeth and Sarah, shall have one-half of the
land above mentioned, to them and to their heirs, to be equally
divided to them. And in case either of said Elizabeth or Sarah shall
die without issue, the legacies to her given shall be to the survivor. I
give to the said Sarah, the daughter of my son Josiah, five pounds in
current pay, and the feather bed her mother carryed awa3^

Item. I give to my son James all of my now dwelling house,
barn, orchard, land and meadows, lying and being in Braintry afore-
said, next and immediately after my wife's decease (excepting what
ma)^ be necessarily expended for her maintenance during her life) to
him and to his heirs forever.

Item. I give to my son-in-law Joseph Crosby ten pounds in
good pay which ten pounds, with the five pounds given to my son
Peter Brackett as above, is to be paid within two years after myne
and my wife's decease.

116 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

Item. I give unto my daughter Hannah Brackett twenty-
shillings in good pay. I give my great bible to my daughter
Rachel Crosby for her use during her life, and at her decease to be
to my grandchild Abigail Thompson.

Item. I give to Hannah Brackett, daughter of nty son John,
the feather bed which she lyeth on, and bolster what belonged to it
and my bedsted at Billerica, with as much movable goods as shall
amount to twenty pounds.

Item. I give and bequeath to my beloved wife, Allice Brackett,
all the rest of my movables for her comfortable sustenance while she
lives, and to be disposed of by her to whom she please at her death.

Item. I appoint and nominate my son James Brackett to be
sole executor to this my last will and testament, and in testimony that
this is my last will and testament, I have hereunto set my hand and
seal the day and year above written.

Signed, sealed and published in presence of us, John Ruggles,
Senr. and John Ruggles, Jr.

(Signed) John Parmenter.

Whereas I have given to my grandchild Sarah Brackett, the
daughter of my son Josiah Brackett, deceased, five pounds, my will
is that it shall be null and void and of none effect; as also the ten
pounds given to Joseph Crosby, I give to his daughter Anna Crosby.

(Signed) Christopher Webb. #^%

Richard Brackett #seal#
Boston, December 19, 1690. W.%^

Approved John Ruggles, sen.

John Ruggles, Jr. , both at Braintree appearing at Probate."

Peter Brackett, a near relative, probablj^ a brother of Richard,
was in Boston as early as 1630. In 1640, he owned land in Braintree,
adjoining the land of Richard Brackett; mention is made in the town
records of there being in his family twelve persons who had come that
year to the town to reside. He was admitted freeman in 1643; elected
a member of the general court in 1644, and several times in subse-
quent years; joined, in 1648, the Ancient and Honorable Artillery
Company; remained a resident of Braintree for several years, when
he returned to Boston where he died; buried July 24, 1688. Was one
of the founders of the Old South church in 1669.

He was twice, if not three times, married; if he had but two
wives the Christian name of the first was Priscilla; if he had three
wives the name of the first is unknown. Priscilla was the mother of
many, if not of all of his children; she died between 1663 and 1666.
In the latter 5^ear he married Mary, the widow of Nathaniel Williams;
she was the mother of five children by her first husband, and, per-
haps, was well stricken in 3^ears at the time of her marriage with
Peter Brackett. In her will, made in 1679, it is mentioned that she
had the permission of her husband to dispose of her estate.

No evidence has been found of the disposition, by will or by
other process, of the estate of Peter Brackett. If it is true that he
had ten children in 1640, he had a ver>^ large family, as of the thir-
teen children whose names follow, but five were, perhaps, born before
1640. So far as has been learued his children were (not in order of
birth):

RICHARD, OF BRAINTREE 117

1. Peter, no further record.

2. Martha, mar. 23 May, 1655, Robert Twelves.

3. Daughter, mar. before Feb., 1666, to Upham.

4. Daughter, mar. before Feb., 1666, to Cooke.

5. Priscilla, mar. before Feb., 1666, Nathaniel Reynolds. ^

6. John, b. 30 Sept., 1641; mar. 2 Aug., 1662, Sarah Steadman,
dau. of John of Cambridge; d. 12 Dec., 1666. Estate inventoried
over ;(^ 1, 000. In will is mentioned "sister Upham" (perhaps then a
widow), "Brother Cooke," "Brother Twelves," "Brother Reynolds,"
"Brother Nathaniel Brackett" and "sister Sarah Brackett." Widow
mar. (2nd) Dr. Alcock of Boston; (3d) Hon. Thomas Graves; (4th)
Col. John Phillips of Charlestown. Issue:

1st. Sarah, bapt. 5 June, 1664; d. 19 Sept., 1665.
2nd. John (posthumous), b. 21 Apr., 1667; mentioned in will; no
further record.

7. Joseph, b. 13 Oct., 1642; d. 24 Jan., 1662.

8. Sarah, living in 1666.

9. Nathaniel, b. about 1648, perhaps earlier; was a witness in
1662, to a deed of land by an Indian to Peter Brackett. A Nathaniel
Brackett lived in Salem, where he d. in 1710" aged 62 years. No
further record.

10. Hannah, b. 14 Aug., 1656; perhaps mar. Shaw.

11. Ruth, b. 23 Nov., 1660; dau. of "Peter Brackett and wife
Prescilla," the record reads.

12. Mary, b. and d. in 1661.

13. Mary, living in 1679.

A Thomas Brackett settled in Salem, Mass. In 1658, he was
punished for attending Quaker meetings; his estate was inventoried
in 1668. The Christian name of his wife was, perhaps, Alice. The
probate records of Essex county show will of Alse Brackett of Salem,
dated June 20, 1688; proved November 25, 1690. She willed her
estate to her grandson, Thomas Ward, a minor, "who hath lived with
me and been helpfull unto me in my old age; but if said Thomas
shall secure ye Eegacy ordained by ye general court of his father's
estate, deed, which is fifty pounds, then the said Thomas shall pay to
his brothers and sister £<>, pounds each." Issue:

1. Thomas, bapt. 7 Dec, 1645; d. at age of 22 years.

2. Mary, bapt. 4 Feb., 1649; perhaps mar. Ward, and had chil-
dren, Thomas, Samuel, John and Eydia; all living in 1688.

3. Joseph, bapt. 15 June, 165 1; d. young.

4. I^ydia, d. young.

As there is a tradition that three brothers by the name of Brackett
were among the first colonists in Massachusetts, and it is found that
Richard, Peter and Thomas Brackett were in Massachusetts at an
early date, the inference is strong that they are the ones to whom the
tradition relates. In this connection should be mentioned that with
the brothers, perhaps, came a sister; of her nothing more is known
than that in the work of Mr. Jeffrey Richardson one can read: — ■

"1641 June 26, (Richard Brackett) was with wife Alice and his
sister dismissed from First church in Boston with letter to church con-
nected therewith at the Mount."

118 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

As meager as is the evidence of relationship between Richard,
Peter and Thomas Brackett, equally so is the evidence which has
been obtained pertaining to their ancestry and the place in England
from whence the}^ came. The only scrap that has been found which
sheds any light on these questions, has reference to a Richard
Brackett' s entrance into Cambridge University, England, and reads: —

"Brackett, Richard, of Wreningham, Norfolk, son of Richard
Brackett mediocris fortunce, deceased. School, Norwich, four years;
at Corpus Christi College, six months. Age 21. Admitted pensioner,
May 13, 1574."

The foregoing is an extract from the matriculation or admission
book of Gonville and Cains College, Cambridge, England, as it
appears in "The East Anglian Magazine, or Notes and Queries on
Subjects connected with the Counties of Suffolk, Cambridge, Essex
and Norfolk" (New Series, Note i, pp. 1 7-1 17 — 1885-6).

While there is no certainty that the Richard, schoolmaster of
Braintree, Mass., was connected with the Richards of Wreningham
parish, though there is sufficient to warrant belief that he was their
relative, there are these certainties, viz., that said persons of Wren-
ingham were Bracketts, not Brocketts, had attained considerable dis-
tinction as earl}" as the year 1550, and that the name is one of an old
English family, such as may and, perhaps, did have its coat of arms.
Not knowing anything as to these matters more than has been related,
they are submitted to the consideration of the reader, in the belief
that the future will make known the secrets of the past pertaining to
them.

1. Hannah, bapt. 4 June, 1634, in Boston; mar. (ist) Samuel
Kinsley, who d. 21 May, 1662, in Billerica, Mass.; he was son of
Elder Stephen, who d. in Milton, Mass., 4 June, 1673, and wife,
Elizabeth, who d. 10 Jan., 1668; mar. (2nd) Deacon John Blanchard
(Blancher), who d. in Dunstable in 1693; resided in Charlestown
from 1653 to 1659, in Chelmsford, Mass., from 1662 to 1680, when he
removed to Dunstable, Mass. (now Nashua, N. H.). She survived
her husband, and was killed by the Indians in Dunstable, 3 July,
1706. Issue, by ist husband, Samuel Kinsley:

1st. Hannah, b. 27 Juh^ 1656, in Braintree.

2nd. Elizabeth, b. 22 Nov., 1657, in Braintree; mar. John Cum-
mings, and had dau. Hannah, b. 20 Ma5% 1693.

3d. Samuel, b. 23 Nov., 1660; d. 19 Jaji., 1661.

Issue by 2nd husband, John Blanchard: Joseph; Josiah; Benjamin;
James; Joseph; Nathaniel; Thomas; Martha; John; Sarah; Mary.

2. John, bapt. 7 May, 1637; mar. (ist) 6 Sept., 1661, Hannah
French, who d. 9 May, 1674; (2nd) 31 May, 1675, Ruth Ellice
(Ellis), widow of Joseph, nee Morse, b. in Dedham, Mass., 3 June,
1637, d. 25 Sept., 1692, in Dedham, dau. of John, (b. in 161 1, d. in
1657, ii^ Boston,) and wife, Annis Chickering, who d. in Dedham,
I Sept., 1693. John Brackett lived in Billerica, Mass.; was allotted
land there in 1660, which adjoined the land allotted to his brother
Peter; took the oath of freeman in 1670; d. 18 Mar., 1687. After his
death his widow, with the four younger children, went to Dedham to
live. Issue:

1st. Hannah, b. i Dec, 1662; mar. Joseph Bass.
2nd. Elizabeth, b. 7 Jun^. 1664; mar. 16 Nov., 1691, Daniel
Draper.

RICHARD, OF BRAINTREE 119

3d. Mary, b. 12 Feb., 1665; mar. in 1683, Edward Spalding.
4th. Sarah, b. 11 Dec, 1667.
5th. Rachael, b. 30 Sept., 1669.

6th. Abigail, b, 31 Dec, 1770; d. 11 Jan.,

7th. Bathsheba, b. 10 Mar., 1672; d. 24 Apr., 1673.

8th. Samuel, b. 4 Mar., 1673; no further record.

9th. Sarah, b. 9 May, 1674, the day of her mother's death.

10th. John, b. 9 June, 1676; d. young.

11th. Ebenezer, b. 19 Oct., 1677. See division 18.

12th. John, b. 10 Dec, 1680. See division 19.

13th. Bethia, b. 25 May, 1682.

3. Peter, bapt. 7 May, 1637, in Boston; was twin with John; mar.
7 Aug., 1661^ Elizabeth Bosworth, who d. 30 Nov., 1686; mar. (2nd)
30 Mar., 1687, Sarah Foster, nee Parker, sister of Joseph, of Roxbury
and Cambridge; she d. 8 Apr., 171 8; Peter lived in Billerica, took
the oath of freeman there, 30 Oct., 1680; was a farmer. Issue:

1st. Elizabeth, b. 21 Feb., 1662; d. 27 Feb., 1663.
2nd. Jonathan, b. 2 July, 1668; d. 11 Mar., 1671.
3d. Elizabeth, b. 3 Apr., 1671; no further record.
4th. Bethia, b. 16 Apr., 1674; d. 25 Mar., 1675.
5th. Mary, b, 10 Feb., 1680; mar. 16 May, 1704, Jonathan Hull
of Billerica.

4. Rachel, bapt. 3 Nov., 1639, in' Boston; mar. 15 Juh% 1659,
Simon Crosby of Billerica; had children, Simon, who mar. Hannah

; Thomas, b. 10 Mar., 1666; Joseph, b. 5 July, 1669, mar.

6 May, 1691, Sarah French of Billerica; Anna, b. 30 Mar., 1673;
Nathan, b. 9 Feb., 1675, mar. Mar}^ Shed, d. 11 Apr., 1749, in
Billerica; Josiah, b. 11 Mar., 1677, mar. Mary Manning, d. 2 Nov.,
1703, in Billerica; Mar}-, b. 23 Nov., 1680, mar. 7 Aug., 1701, in
Billerica, John Blanchard, b. 3 July, 1677, in Charlestown, Mass.;
she d. 7 May, 1748, in Billerica, and he, 10 Apr., 1750, in Boston.

5. Mary, b. 12 May, 1641; mar. i Feb., 1662, Joseph Thompson,
b. I May, 1640; d. 13 Oct., 1732, son of Rev. Mr. Wm. Thompson of
Braintree, b. in England, 1598, d. 10 Dec, 1666; she d. 23 Mar.
1671; had children, Mary, b. 18 Nov., 1663; Joseph, b. 8 Apr., 1666;
Abigail, b. 16 Apr., 1668, mar. 16 Dec, 1701, John Watkins of
Charlestown; William B., b. 3 Oct., 1670, d. 22 Dec, 1694; Deborah,
b. 29 Sept., 1676.

6. James, b. about 1645, in Braintree; mar. about 1674, Sarah
Marsh, b. 22 Dec, 1649, in Hingham, Mass., d. 6 Oct., 1727, dan.
of Thomas; he was b. in England, in 16 18, d. 2 Sept., 1659, mar. in
Hingham. Mass., Sarah Beal, was son of George; he and wife, Eliza-
beth, came to America in 1635, and settled in Hingham. Sarah Beal
was b. in 1624, in England, was daughter of John and wife, Nazareth
Hobart; Sarah mar. (2nd) in Braintree, 7 Juh^ 1662, Edmund
Sheffield, d. in Nov., 17 10, aged about 86 years. Soon after his mar-
riage, James deeded land in Hingham, his wife's property, which she
inherited from her father. In these instruments of conveyance he is
described as ' 'cooper. " It is probable that in early life he followed the
trade in Boston, to which city he removed in 1673, or earlier; the
records of the First church of Braintree read: — "James Brackett, a
child of this church dismissed to the Third church in Boston 9 Febru-
ary 1673," and in the records of the Third (Old South) church in Bos-

120 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

ton, it is chronicled that he was admitted a member 2 Mar., 1673, The
time of his return from Boston to Braintree, is shown by his readmis-
sion 19 March, 1682, into the First church there, he having been
"dismissed to us from the Third church in Boston." His wife
became a member of the church in Braintree 11 Aug., 1694. It is
probable that he did not marry until he removed to Boston. Nor is
it certain that he resided continuously in Boston from 1673 to his
return to Braintree in 1683; there is evidence that for a time he
resided in Beverly; a James Brackett took the oath of freeman there in
1673; he was admitted a freeman in Boston 12 May, 1675. In 1695,
he was sergeant of the military company in Braintree; was select-
man in 1 70 1 and 1703; clerk in 1689 and 1694; appointed in 1700, to
run the line between Braintree and Weymouth. By his will, dated
5 Apr., 1 7 18, he bequeathed to son Joseph, all lands and meadows
south of the highway, about seven acres, "and 4 acres in the 600
acres;" it recites that he had already given son Nathan, one hundred
and fifteen pounds, "and in addition thereto I give him 4 acres of my
meeting house lot; " also a lot of woodland, about twenty-four acres,
"hnng beyond the sawmill of Edward I^ittleiield." To wife, Sarah,
during her life, house, barn and improvements of land; sons Joseph
and Nathan are .to provide for her and their unmarried sisters and
have property upon death of their mother. Mentions daughters,
Sarah, Mary, and Hannah Brackett, Deborah Baxter, and son-in-law,
Richard Faxon.

On the tombstone at his grave can be read: —

"Here Ij^es

Ye body of

Mr. James Brackett

Who died ye 8 day of April

1718,

In ye 73 year

of his age."

(Old burial ground, Quincy, Mass.)

Issue:

1st. Joseph, b. 5 Nov., 1675. See division 20.

2nd. Nathan, b. 23 Sept., 1678. See division 21.

3d. Sarah, b. 22 Oct., 1680; unmarried at time of her father's
death; probably mar. 5 Feb., 1728, Edward Adams of Milton.

4th. Mary, b. 30 Aug., 1782; unmarried at time of her father's
death; no further record.

5th. Deborah, b. 15 Aug., 1685, in Braintree; mar. 13 Jan.,
1713, Samuel Baxter of Braintree; had children, Samuel, b, 11 Juty,
1715; Charles, b. 25 Apr., 1717; Deborah, b. 30 Aug., 1722; twins,
son and dau., b. and d. last week in Nov., 1723.

6th. Anne (Hannah), b. 18 Juh^, 1687, in Braintree; mar.
30 Dec, 1709, Richard Faxon of Braintree, b. 4 Sept., 1686, son of
Thomas and wife, Mary; had children, Thomas, b. 29 Oct., 17 10;
Mary, b. 8 Mar., 1713; Abigail, b. 25 July, 1715; Richard, b. 2 Nov.,
1 71 8; James, b. 7 Nov., 1721; Sarah, b. 12 Apr., 1724; Anna, b.
3 June, 1726, and Azariah, b. 23 Mar., 1728.

RICHARD, OF BRAINTREE 121

7th, Abigail, bapt. 20 Oct., 1689, in Braintree; mar. 6 Aug.,
1 7 19, Gregory Belcher, Jr., of Braintree, b. 19 June, 1691, son of
Deacon Gregory.

7. Sarah, mar. i June, 1675, Joseph Crosby, who d. 26 Nov.,
1695; had children, Sarah, b. 29 Oct., 1677; Thomas and Simon,

twins, b. 16 Jan., 1689; Thomas, mar. Mary , and had Josiah,

b. 20 Jan., 1720; Jonathan, b. 9 Dec, 1722; Thomas, b. 23 Sept.,
1725; John, b. 25 Jan., 1727.

8. Josiah, bapt. 8 May, 1652, in Braintree; mar. 4 Feb., 1673,
Elizabeth Waldo, dau. of Cornelius; resided in Chelmsford, Mass.,
where he d. before 1690; was deacon in the church at Chelmsford.
Had children, Sarah and Elizabeth, the latter b. 16 Feb., 1678; these
daughters of Josiah united with the church in Roxbury, in 1695.

DIVISION NO. 1.

JOHN BRACKETT OF RYE AND HIS DESCEND-
ANTS.

THIRD GENERATION.

FAMILY NO. 1.

From Chapter II. Descent: Anthony, John.

John Brackett was the 3'oungest of his father's family and the
only male member of the family who died a natural death; none of
his name lost more near relatives than did he. There is frequent
mention of him in the records of the town of Newcastle, of which the
greater portion of Rye was a part to about 1726, principally as a
petitioner with regard to town and parish matters. When his home
was attacked by the Indians in September, 1691, nearly his entire
family was killed or taken captive, including his aged parents.
Nothing particular is known as to his military service though it is
probable that he did his dut3^ It is to be regretted that so little is
known concerning him. Married (ist) Martha Philbrick, b. Sep-
tember 26, 165 1, daughter of John (son of Thomas, the immigrant,
and wife, Elizabeth) and wife Ann Palmer of Hampton. John Phil-
brick and wife, Ann, parents of Martha, were lost at sea, October 20,
1657, with one child and five other persons, while sailing from Hamp-
ton to Boston. John Brackett married (2nd) November 24, 1698,
Dinah Marston, widow of James (d. 1693) of Hampton, and daugh-
ter of John Sanborn. Estate administered in 1726; widow survdved
him several years. Issue, not in order of birth:

1. Abigail, was captured b}' the Indians 28 Sept., 1691, and car-
ried to Canada where she married a Frenchman. Upon her father's
death in 1727, she returned to New Hampshire and claimed her share
of his estate, a portion of which was land, seven acres. Jonathan
Eocke lived on it; then Richard Eang and later Samuel H. Tre-
fethen. One of the Bracketts made several verses of poetrj^ upon
the subject of the return of the Frenchwoman and her claiming her
property. In list of taxpaj^ers of Portsmouth, year 1727, appears the
name "Frenchman Brackett." Nothing further is known concern-
ing her; probably she returned to Canada.

2. Keziah, was captured b}^ the Indians 28 Sept., 1691. Among
the captives redeemed at Quebec in 1695 w^as "Cisia Brackett of
Oj'ster river." With the Indians quite every person captured in
New Hampshire belonged to Oyster river settlement (New Durham).
No further record concerning her.

3. Samuel. See family 2.

4. Thomas. With Samuel and John Brackett, he petitioned in
the year 1721 for a new church district in the town; no further
record concerning him.

JOHN, OF RYB 123

FOURTH GENERATION.

FAMILY NO. 2.

From Family No. i. Descent: Anthony, John, Samuel.

Samuel Brackett was born in New Castle, near where resided his
grandfather; was administrator of his father's estate; when the town
of Rye was created (1721) he was one of a committee to settle with
the old town; was chosen selectman of the town; married January

23, 1713, Lydia ; died Oct. 25, 1766; was probably nearly

eighty years of age at time of his death. Always lived in Rye;
estate valued at ^^780, si 7. Issue, all born in New Castle (Rye):

1. John, b. 8 Feb., 1714; never married; never worked on farm or
went to school; wrote only on birch bark. Was the last who bore
the name in Kye.

2. Mary, b. 27 May, 17 16.

3. Phebe, b. 7 Dec, 1718; never married; d. about 1796.

4. Samuel, Jr., b. 13 Nov., 1721. See family 3.

5. Ann, b. 11 Jan., 1725; never married.

6. lyove, b. 18 Apr., 1727; mar. 3 Mar., 174B, Joseph Knowles, b.
13 Dec, 1727.

FIFTH GENERATION.

FAMILY NO. 3.
From Family No. 2. Descent: Anthony, John, Samuel, Samuel.

Samuel Brackett, Jr., was born November 13, 1721, in Rye;
inherited his father's farm and lived on it all his days; the farm was
the one settled on b}' his ancestor, Anthony, the immigrant; he was
the last of the name to own it; died about 1769, in which j^ear his
estate was administered; value ;^935-s4-o; married Eleanor Dow;
she married (2nd) September 8, 1770, Jeremiah Berry, b. in 1724.
Issue, one child only.

1. Love, b. 9 Aug., 1758; d. 17 Jan., 1795; mar. 10 Nov., 1774,
William Berry, b. 12 Apr., 1752-3, son of Jeremiah and wife, Hannah
lyocke; mar. (2nd) Elizabeth Wendell, by whom he had four chil-
dren. Issue:

1st. Lydia, b. in 1775; d. 20 June, 1820; mar. Wm. Trefethen.

2nd. Samuel Brackett, b. 14 Apr.. 1777; mar. Abigail Webster.

3rd. Hannah, b. 25 Mar., 1781; mar. Josiah Marden.

4th. Jeremiah, b. 16 Dec, 1783; mar. Sally Foss.

5th. Eleanor, b. 25 Apr., 1786; mar. 18 Feb., 1808, James
lyOcke. Issue:

I. William, d. 1815. II. Adaline, b. 10 June, 1813, d. 13 Aug.,
1870; mar. Joel N. Foss. III. Elinor, b. in 1813. IV. James
M., d. in 1819. V. Martha S., b. 5 Apr., 1819; d. 19 Nov., 1890, in
Rye; mar. Aaron L,. Riggs, blacksmith; no children. VI. Ellen
H., b. 22 Apr., 1830; mar. 25 Aug., 1851, Charles F. Eocke, b. 25
Aug., 1826; d. 25 Dec, 1895; was a mason in Portsmouth.

6th. Eove, b. 10 Nov., 1788; mar. 26 June, 1806, Eben Mar-
den; d. 1876.

7th. William, born 10 Nov., 1790.

124 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

DIVISION NO. 2.

COLONEL THOMAS BRACKETT OF BRISTOL
AND HIS DESCENDANTS.

SIXTH GENERATION,

FAMILY NO. 1.

From Chapter X. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Anthony, An-
thony, Thomas.

Thomas Brackett was born in Boston, where he resided until
about 1774, when he removed to Bristol, Me., From a deed, to
which he was a party, it appears that he was still a resident in Bos-
ton, April I, 1774. By an address, sent by the town of Bristol to the
"Provincial Congress," held at Watertown, Mass., in which he is
called the "town's attorney," his residence is given as in Bristol.
When a young man, he was associated with a fire company in Bos-
ton, serving engine No. 7, and later was transferred to engine No. 2.
In 1769, William Sutton of engine No. 2, "presented Nicholas Deer-
ing, as a suitable person for his engine company, in lieu of Thomas
Brackett who left town." In 1770, he was "approved as a taverner
in the house on the neck (Boston), called the King's Arms, formerly
the George Tavern, lately kept by Mr. Bowdine." (Selectmen's
minutes.)

Rev. Mr. Adams recorded in his journal —

"Oct. 4, 1 77 1. Voted that the perambulation between Roxbury
and this town be on Tuesday at 10 o'clock before noon, and that a
letter be wrote to the selectmen as usual and a dinner provided by
the clerk at Mr. Brackett's on the neck."

Colonel Brackett severed his connections with this tavern in
1773. In that year his name appears in "alarm list" of Captain
John Haskin's company, Col. John Erving's regiment.

Prior to making Bristol his home, viz., on June 10, 1767, he pur-
chased a tract of about thirty acres in that town on the side of the
Pemaquid river, on which was situated the estate of his wife's father,
James Sproul, who settled there in 1729. James Sproul was born in
Ireland probably near Belfast, and came to Boston in 1727. He had
eight children, of whom Margaret was married to Col. Brackett
about 1767-8. Mr. Sproul was a helpless invalid for several years
prior to his death, which happened before the close of the eighteenth
century. His lands on the west side of the Pemaquid river, are now
in the possession of one of his numerous progeny, Eugene Sproul.
Col. Brackett's homestead was on the east side of the Pemaquid.
May 2, 1775, but shortly after his arrival in Bristol, at a town meet-
ing, it was voted to send him as agent for the town "to Congress to
represent the difficulty of the town for the want of ammunition" and
"other stores." One, Miles Thompson, was hired by the town at
$8.00 per month to carry on Col. Brackett's farm during his absence.
By his efforts one-half barrel of gunpowder was secured, which he

THOMAS, OF BRISTOL 125

was to pay for, and which was distributed among the three militia com-
panies of the town. Also, at the meeting an address to the Provin-
cial Congress was agreed upon, which Col. Brackett probably took
with him, and which is still on file in the state house at Boston. , He
was allowed by the town ^38 O. T. for his expenses.

Thomas Brackett was an officer in the Continental army, was
captain in the 5th (ist Bristol) company, 3d Lincoln county regi-
ment; commissioned May 8, 1776; also, captain of the 5th company,
Col. Joseph North's (Lincoln county) regiment. By his descendants
he is referred to as Colonel Thomas Brackett. He was, in 1787, a
member of the board of selectmen; was accorded the rank of esquire
and gentleman, which, at least, signified political and social distinc-
tion. During a partial famine in Bristol, he, with his vessel, went to
Boston and returned with a cargo of grain and merchandise; this he
sold on trust to the people in need, with the result that he lost heav-
ily and brought upon himself financial ruin. In December, 1784, he
made an assignment for the benefit of his creditors, scattered from
Nova Scotia to Massachusetts; the one to whom his largest debt was
owing was John Hancock, — he of the famous. signature. This act
was purely voluntary on his part and attests his integrity, as does his
concern for his famishing townsmen attest his benevolence. Like his
father in Boston, and his great-grandfather in Falmouth, he was a
slave owner. Among his slaves was, probably, one called "Boston
Brackett," descendants of whom now reside in Bristol. A Boston
Brackett (mulatto), in 1880, lived in Bristol, and then was eighty
years old. His father was born in Massachusetts and his mother was
born in Maine. Mr. Jeffrey Richardson, Jr., in his Genealogy of the
Bracketts mentions a negro in Boston, called "Boston." It is
probable that Colonel Brackett was his owner in that city. The story
is often told in Bristol, by the descendants of Colonel Brackett, that
he, his son, Thomas, Jr., and slave went aboard the father's vessel
lying in the river, and while the father was engaged at some work'
below deck, the son fell overboard and was rescued by this slave,
who plunged in the river after the boy, all unknown to the father
until the lad was safe. For this act of courage, the grateful father
ever loved the negro and treated him as one of the family.

The following incident illustrates the public spirit of this enter-
prising man. In September, 1775, one Andrew Oilman, having
under his care two Indians, who were to appear at the general court
of the province, was obliged to apply to the committee for Bristol for
assistance, to convey them to Watertown; Oilman received the nec-
essary aid in money from Thomas Brackett and Thomas Boyd, "two
of the committee." The general court refused to pay the bill and
the two patriotic citizens of Bristol probably never received the
money so justly due them.

Colonel Brackett died May 7, 1788, aged 46 years, and was
buried from the home of his brother Joshua, at Cromwell's Head inn,
on School street in Boston. Issue:

1. Thomas. See family 2.

2. Elizabeth, mar. 9 Nov., 1801, Jacob Partridge.

3. Mary, who married Michael Jones.

4. Margaret (Peggy), who mar. 24 May, 1798, Joseph Reed,
blacksmith, of Bristol.

126 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

SEVENTH GENERATION.

FAMILY NO. 2.

From Family No. i. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Anthony, An-
thony, Thomas, Thomas.

Captain Thomas Brackett, the son of Colonel Thomas and wife, \
Margaret Sproul, married Polly Giddings; he was born about 1769;
died July 21, 1833, aged 64 years; was a farmer and mariner, always
lived in Bristol, Me. Issue:

1. Thomas. See family 3.

2. Charlotte.

3. Joshua. See family 4.

4. Joseph, b. 29 Sept., 1799; never mar.; was master of a vessel
at the age of 21 years; d. before he reached the age of 22 years, either
in New Orleans or Mobile.

5. Mary, mar. 4 Apr., 1824, Rowland Hatch.

6. William, b. about 1805. See family 5.

7. John, b. in April, 1807. See family 6.

EIGHTH GENERATION.

FAMILY NO. 3.

From Family No. 2. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Anthony, An-
thony, Thomas, Thomas, Thomas.

Thomas Brackett was born about 1794, in Bristol, Me.; married
in 1817, Mary G. Gadshall, died in Lynn, Mass., of old age, was
daughter of William and wife, Dorcas Mansfield. Mr. Brackett died
in Charlestown, Mass., in 1820, from dropsy of the brain. His only
child — living in 1906 — wrote concerning him: "By occupation he
was a ship-master, was called the best navigator in Boston; when in
port he taught navigation to ship-masters. I have heard he was an
extraordinary good navigator and an exceptional^ intelligent man."
Issue:

1. Joseph, b. 14 Feb., 1819. See family 7.

FAMILY NO. 4.

From Family No. 2. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Anthony, An-
thony, Thomas, Thomas, Joshua.

Joshua Brackett was born in Bristol, Me.; married Eliza Sher-
man of Boston. He, with another from Hingham, Mass. , was captured
by pirates and marooned on Sandy key, one of the West India islands.
Captain Albert Brackett of New Harbor, Me., has a knife which was
left by the pirates with Joshua Brackett; its blade is sixteen inches
in length and one and three-quarter inches wide.

His children were Thomas and Joshua; have no information
concerning them, except that they lived in Boston.

THOMAS, OF BRISTOL 127

FAMILY NO. 5.

From Family No. 2. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Anthony, An-
thony, Thomas, Thomas, William.
William Brackett was born about 1805 in Bristol, Me., where he
always resided. He married January 31, 1831, Hannah Bowly or
Bowlie. Issue:

1. Mary Augusta, b. 9 Apr., 1832; mar. 29 Nov., 1850, George
W. Hatch, blacksmith, b. 18 Feb., 1826, d. i July, 1865, son of
James and wife Nancy Hall; she d. 28 Jan., 1878, in Springfield,
Mass. Issue:

1st. Nellie, b. 24 May, 185 1, in Bristol; mar. 14 Sept., 1870,
George Edwin Barr, b. 12 Dec, 1850, d. i Dec, 1891, son of Edwin
C, and wife Adeline F. Stone of Springfield, Mass.; was a hotel
keeper, resided in Oldham and Springfield. Issue:

I. Catherine S., b. in Erie, Pa., 24 July, 1873; mar. 17 May,
1899, Dr. Henry Everton Hosley, b. in Clinton, Mass., 10 Apr.,
1872, son of Henry Harrison and wife Julia Etta Wheeler of Fitch-
burg, Mass.; reside at 283 Union street, Springfield.

II. William Geo. Barr, b. in Springfield, Mass., i Oct., 1874;
is a mechanic

III. James A., b. in Springfield, 14 Mar., 1878; business, a
baker.

IV. Gracie A., b. in Springfield, Mass., 11 Apr., 1879; d. in
Springfield, Mass., 25 Aug., 1879.

V. Madeline, b. 7 May, 1883; d. in Springfield, 29 Dec, 1888.

VI. Marvin H., b. 8 Nov.,\884; d. 24 Dec, 1888.

2nd. Wilbur G., b. in Bristol, Me., in Sept., 1856; died there
24 Mar., 1863.

2. Elizabeth Ann, b. 17 June, 1836; mar. in Damariscotta, Me.,
6 Aug., 1857, Edward Barstow, sea-captain, b. 27 Jan., 1833, d. 4
Nov., 1898, son of Edward (son of Col. John) and wife. Amy Bailey,
of Hanover, Mass. Issue.

1st. Lizzie Estelle, b. 28 Feb., 1863; resides in Hanover, Mass.
2nd. George Ellen, b. 3 July, 1867; resides in Hanover, Mass.

3. William T., b. 6 Mar., 1834. See family 8.

4. Albert F., b. 2 Sept., 1838. See family 9.

5. Francis A., b. 29 Mar., 1840. See family 10.

6. Robert. See family 11.

7. Nancy Jane, b. in 1842; mar. Ambrose Eewis; is dec.

8. Charlotte H., mar. (ist), Woodbury; (2nd), George H.
Hanscome; home in Denver.

9. Margaret M., b. about 1848; mar. George H. Davis; home in
Springfield, Mass.

FAMILY NO. 6.

From Family No. 3. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Anthony, An-
thony, Thomas, Thomas, John.

John Brackett was born in April, 1807, in Bristol, Me.; married
Thankful Richards, born August 27, 1809, living in 1902, daughter of
Benjamin and wife, Joan Woodbury, of Bristol. Mr. Brackett died in
January, 1845, three months prior to the birth of his son, John H.;
his grave is beside that of his father on the farm owned by the latter.

128 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

For a livelihood lie followed the sea, made several trips to the Grand
Banks. Issue:

1. William, b. 30 Mar., 1830. See family 12.

2. Joseph T., d. 13 Aug., 1853.

3. Elbridge, d. 20 Nov., 1855.

4. Alex H., b. 3 Nov., 1837. See family 13.

6. Emeline, b. 30 June, 1839; mar. 8 Apr., 1855, Elbridge Wal-
lace, b. 30 Sept., 1830, son of Josiah and wife, Sarah Curtis, of
Bristol; home in New Harbor, Me. Issue:

1st. Gussie S., b. 24 Feb., 1856; mar. 11 June, 1878, Granville
Burns. Issue:

I. D. Castner, b. 12 Nov., 1879. II. Mildred E., b. 30
July, 1881. III. Flora E., b. 4 Nov., 1883. IV. M. Gordon, b.
26 July, 1886.

2nd. Eizzie H., b. 2 Feb., 1858; mar. i Jan., 1877, Capt. Chas.
Blaisdell; had Granville, b. 30 Apr., 1879.

3d. John J., b. 23 Sept., i860; mar. in 1885, Abbie I. McClain,
had Eillian, b. 14 Mar., 1886.

4th. Sidney E., b. 19 Dec, 1861; mar. in Nov., 1885, Floral
Thompson.

5th. Elzina M., b. 25 Sept., 1863; mar. 25 Dec, 1881, John P.
Munro; d. 3 Apr., 1890. Issue:

I. Jennie, b. 28 Nov., 1883. II. Annie, b. 18 Mar., 1885.

6th. Emma E., b. 16 Mar., 1867; mar. 5 Mar., 1883, Eincoln
J. Partridge. Issue:

I. Sadie, b. 16 Sept., 1884. II. James W., b. 14 Aug.,
1888. III. Elzina M., b. 24 May, 1891. IV. Wallace J = , b. 30
Aug., 1899. V. Dorris E., b. 14 June, 1901.

7th. George P., b. 27 Sept., 1873; mar. 15 Jan, 1892, Eaura
Poole; had Erville, b. 30 May, 1894.

6. Sylvinia, d. 30 June, 1844.

7. John Harvey, d. 25 May, 1847.

NINTH GENERATION.

FAMILY NO. 7.
From Family No. 3. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Anthony, An-
thony, Thomas, Thomas, Thomas, Joseph.
Joseph Brackett was born February 14, 1819; married (ist) Mary
Jane Hobart; (2nd) Margaret Porter, who died Feb. 18, 1884; (3d)
Sarah E. Calby; Mr. Brackett is living (1906) with his daughter,
Mrs. Newth in Eynn, Mass.; is afflicted with locomotor ataxia. Issue:

1. Eben T., b. 23 Feb., 1846. See family 14.

2. Mary Hobart, b. 9 Sept., 1873, in Warren, N. H.; mar. 2 July,
1892, Charles H. Newth, b. 20 Sept., 1869. son of James T. and wife,
Mary Ann McWilliams; James T. was born in England; went to
Nova Scotia where he was married, and in 1878, removed to Eynn.
Mr. Chas. H. also lives in Eynn; is engaged in the shoe business.
Issue:

1st. Walter Hobart, b. 8 Feb., 1893.
2nd. Frank Forrest, b. 9 Oct., 1895.
3d. Alice Marian, b. 17 Sept., 1898.

3. Marian, married Worthley; home in Cambridge.

THOMAS, OF BRISTOL 129

FAMILY NO. 8.

From Family No. 5. Descent: Anthony, Anthonj^ Anthony, An-
thony, Thomas, Thomas, William, William T.

William Thomas Brackett was born in New Harbor, Maine,
March 6, 1834; married December 6, 1857, Esther E. Palmer, born
October 18, 1839, daughter of Nathaniel and wife, Catherine Mink,
of Bremen, Me; resides in New Harbor, Me.; is a fisherman. Issue:

1. William F., b. 3 Dec, 1858; mar. 25 Sept., 1881, Eouisaetta
Blaisdell; he d. 11 July, 1900.

2. Arthur B., b. 2 Oct., i860; resides in New Harbor, Me.

3. lyizzie I., b. 14 Jan., 1862; mar. Frederick Kaj^ton.

4. Edna F., b. 20 Oct., 1865; mar. 4 Mar., 1883, Frank Richard-
son; she d. 25 Aug., 1891.

5. Eouretta, b. twin with Edna F.; d. 21 Oct., 1866.

6. Edith M., b. 13 Sept., 1867; mar. Eouis Gammage.

7. Thomas N., b. 2 Oct., 1871; mar. May McFarland.

8. Melvin A., b. 29 Aug., 1874; mar. Eola McFarland.

9. Susie Mav, b. 13 July, 1877; d. 14 Jan., 1.877.

10. Elmer A., b. 29 Nov., 1880.

11. Fred E., b. 20 Aug., 1884. All were born in New Harbor,
Me.

FAMILY NO. 9.

From Family No. 5. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Anthony, An-
thony, Thomas, Thomas, William, Albert F.

Albert Franklin Brackett was born September 2, 1838; mar-
ried May 4, 1862, Elnora S. Davis, born October 2, 1842; daughter
of George W. and wife, Catherine Starling, of Monhegan island. Me.;
resides in New Harbor, Me.; is a fisherman. Issue:

1. Edward F., b. 12 Oct., 1862; mar. Ethel Russell.

2. Flora B., b. 10 Apr., 1868; d. 22 Nov., 1880.

3. George F., b. 10 Oct., 1870; mar. Katie E. Davis; resides on
Monhegan island.

4. Ernest A., b. 21 July, 1874; mar. Nellie S. Hanna.

5. Katie Belle, b. 27 Apr., 1885.

FAMILY NO. 10.

From Family No. 5. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Anthony, An-
thony, Thomas, Thomas, William, Francis A.

Francis A. Brackett was born March 29, 1840; married Decem-
ber 22, 1865, Carrie L. Stevens, born June 20, 1848, daughter of
Sylvanus and wife, Clara Bates, of New Haven, Conn.; resides in
New Harbor, Me.; is a blacksmith; served as a private in co. E.,
20th Maine volunteers infantry, from August 29, 1862 to July 16,
1865. Issue:

1. Clara F., b. 2 Nov., 1866; mar. i Jan., 1891, A. H. Dole.

2. Clarence A., b. 30 Oct., 1873; mar. 25 Dec, 1898, Julia
Gifford.

3. Inez May, b. 14 May, 1876; mar. John Day.

130 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

FAMILY NO. IL

From Famil}^ No. 5. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Anthon}^ An-
thony, Thomas, Thomas, William, Robert.

Robert Brackett was born about 1838; is a fisherman, a resident
of New Harbor, Me. Married Louisa H. A'^an Horn, born about
1849. Issue:

1. Elzina, b. about 1867.

2. Ambrose A., b. about 1869.

3. Jerome, b. about 1872.

4. Wilbur G., b. about 1873.
6. De Forrest, b. about 1875.
6. George W.

FAMILY NO. 12.

From Family No 10. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Anthonj^, An-
thony, Thomas, Thomas, John, William.

William Brackett was born in Bristol, Me., March 30, 1830; mar-
ried Dec. 30, 1850, Narcissa S. Churchill, born February 5, 1828;
died July 27, 1900, daughter of Ezra of Montville, Me.; resides in
New Harbor; is a sailor. Issue:

1. Phoebe T., b. 15 Mar., 1851; mar. 18 Oct., 1878, Samuel
Hastings, teamster, b. 22 Sept., 1853, son of William" and wife,
Nancy Murray, of Bristol, Me.; resides at 53 Addison St., Chelsea,
Mass. Issue:

1st. Donald Murray, b. i Feb., 1880.
2nd. Lottie Belle, b. 14 May, 1887.

2. Nellie M., b. 30 Nov., 1853; mar. 30 Nov., 1873, George E.
Little, b. II Mar., 1851, son of James and wife, Mary A. Hutchins,
of Bristol, Me.; resides in New Harbor, Me. Issue:

1st. Dilmar B., b. 26 Oct., 1874; mar. in Nov. 1896, Edith
Davis. Issue:

I. Ava Estelle, b. 26 0ct., 1897. II. Bertrell. III. Laura.
2nd. Zilpha B., b. 2 July, 1876; mar. 10 Apr., 1895, Warren M.
Munse}^ Issue:

I. Donald W., b. 18 Mar., 1896. II. George Keith, b. 13
Sept., 1897.

3d. George Virgil, b. 14 Oct., 1888.
4th. Glenn M., b. 12 Nov., 1894.

3. Joseph W., b. 2 Feb., 1856; mar. 22 Sept., 1878, Faustina
McClain; has son Oscar.

4. Emma F., b. 19 Mar., 1858; mar. 13 Nov., 1882, Joseph H.
Russell; residence New Harbor, Me.

5. Orrington A., b. 26 Jan., i860; mar. 6 Nov., 1882, Delia M.
Russell; residence New Harbor, Me.

6. Ida B., b. 13 Aug., 1863; mar. 20 Aug., 1900, Thomas Murra5^

7. Loring L., b. 4 May, 1865; d. 20 Apr., 1873.

8. Lottie, b. 2 Apr., 1868, in Bristol, Me.; mar. 11 Oct., 1893,
Samuel B. Smith, b. 27 Aug., 1868, son of Charles E. and wife, Ara-
bella Dow, of Exeter, N. H.; is a traveling salesman — furnaces and
ranges; home in Newton Center, Mass., formerly lived in Exeter.
Issue:

THOMAS, OF BRISTOL 131

1st. Earl Brackett, b. ii Jul}^, 1894.
2iid. Carlton Brooks, b. 19 Feb., 1898.

9. Oscar M., b. 25 Dec, 1870; d. 27 Apr., 1873.

10. Oscar L,., b. 12 Apr., 1873. All reside in New Harbor, ex-
cept as otherwise noted.

FAMILY NO. 13.

From Family No. 6. Descent: Anthony, Anthon)', Anthony, An-
thony, Thomas, Thomas, John, Alex H.

Alex H. Brackett was born November 3, 1837; married August
31, 1863, Sarah J. McLain, born December 24, 1844; daughter of
William G. and wife, Lettie Janet Meservey, of Bristol, Me.; resides
in New Harbor; he is a merchant, and prior to 1881, was postmaster
for several years. Issue:

1. John H., b., 31 Mar., 1864; d. 12 Oct., 1865.

2. Ada M., b. 21 July, 1865; mar. Fred A. Partridge; resides at
Pemaquid Beach, Me.

3. John \V., b. 27 Aug., 1867; mar. 21 July, 1896, Martha M.
Tibbetts, b. 21 Mar., 1872, dau. of Charles T. and wife, Lizzie S.
McFarland, of Bristol, Me.; is a lawj'er; was town auditor for three
years; supervisior of schools for a short term, resigning to accept po-
sition as teacher (in Bristol); and county attorney for a term; now
resides in Boothbaj-, Maine. Issue:

1st. Gail M., b. 27 Jan., 1898.

4. Deona C, b. 6 June, 1869; d. 6 June, 1872.

6. Infant son, b. 29 Mar., 1872; d. 12 Apr., 1872.

6. lycona E., b. 4 July, 1873; married Erville B. Hanna.

TENTPI GENERATION.

FAMILY NO. 14.

PVom Family No. 7. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Anthony,
Anthony, Thomas, Thomas, Thomas, Joseph, Eben T.

Eben Thorndike Brackett was born February 23, 1846, in
Charlestown, Mass; for a time lived in Swampscott; resides in Eynn,
Mass.; deputy sheriff in 1904-5. Served as private in nth unat-
tached compan)^ from April, 1865; private in company I, 8th regi-
ment Mass. militia; 2nd lieutenant, April 24th, 1882; captain, April
17, 1883; lieutenant-colonel of 8th Mass. militia infantry, October 8,
1893; placed on retired list August 6, 1895. Married January 14,
1869, Emily Davis Frederick, born October 23, 1849, daughter of
John and wife, Asenath Howe of Paxton, 111. Issue:

1. Eben T., b. 30 Aug., 1870; mar. in 1893, Mabel Sisson; re-
sides in Eynn, Mass.; ser\^ed in co. I., 8th inf., Mass. militia.
Issue:

1st. Raymond T., b. 9 Feb., 1894.
2nd. Florence R., b. 18 Dec, 1896.
3d. John F., b. 9 Apr., 1899.

2. James F., b. Sept. 9, 1871; mar. 7 June, 1899, Alice P. Fay;
resides in Arlington, Mass.; hospt. stew, in 8th inf., Mass. militia.
Issue:

132 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

1st. Fay, (dau.) b. 14 Aug., 1900.

3. George W., b. 23 Oct., 1873; d. 9 Nov., 1891.

4. Mabel L., b. 24 Feb., ; mar. 24 June, 1896, Ralph L. Lov-

ell; home in Quincy, Mass. Issue:

1st. Frederick Harris, b. i Aug., 1904.

5. Olive Edna, b. 9 June, 1880; mar. 19 July, 1899, Halvor H.
Halvorson; home in Lynn, Mass. Issue:

1st. Paul Brackett, b. 4 May, 1900.

6. E. Josephine, b. 19 Nov., 1885.

7. Bernice G., b. 6 July, 1891; d. 28 June, 1892.

ABRAHAM, OF FALMOUTH 133

DIVISION NO. 3.

ABRAHAM BRACKETT OF FALMOUTH AND

HIS DESCENDANTS.

FIFTH GENERATION.

FAMILY NO. L

From Chapter 6. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah, Abra-
ham.

Abraham Brackett was born in Hampton, New Hampshire, July
3, 1 7 14. There are pubhshed statements that all of the children of
Zachariah Brackett, younger than Abraham, were born in Falmouth.
There is nothing to warrant these statements more than that in the
year 17 15, Zachariah went to Falmouth and took possession of his
father's farm. Whatever the truth may be as to the place of birth of
the children younger than Abraham, the following particulars are
submitted as relative thereto. At Hampton on August 21, 17 19,
were baptized the six elder children of Zachariah. In 1806, Abraham
Brackett testified that he came to Falmouth to live in 17 18, "and was
then four years old." The other children of Zachariah, except
Susannah, were baptized in Falmouth though when they were born
there was no church in the town. These facts indicate, assuming
that Abraham was mistaken as to the year in which he went to Fal-
mouth to live, that the family of Zachariah did not remove to
Falmouth before the year 17 19. In the affidavit referred to, which
was made as evidence relative to a mill privilege, Abraham fixes a
matter of moment in the proceedings in which he was testifying, by
the time when he "became free" viz., in 1735. That year was the
one in which he attained his majority. It suggests that he had been
apprenticed — at what trade is not known. Nor is there anything to
show that he was engaged at farming; there were but few living on
the Neck who followed farming in his day. No mention of him is
contained in anj^ source of information, now extant, for many 3^ears
subsequently to 1745; nor is there mention of the name of any mem-
ber of his family contained in any printed document of a genealogical
character relative to the people living in Falmouth. It does not
appear that he was a member of any militar}^ organization in Fal-
mouth during the French and Indian wars. The first mention of him
subsequently to 1745 is that in 1777 he was a taxpayer in Falmouth.
The belief would be warranted that, for several years following his
marriage, he resided elsewhere than in Falmouth, but for his own
statement. In his affidavit made in 1806, he testified relative to the
possession of a certain ten-acre lot near to Captain Anthony Brackett's
farm on which he was raised; that the land in question was occupied
by William Knight, and fixed the time of Knight's occupanc}^ thereof to
have been "soon after the three years' war, about 1725-6," when he
lived on Brackett's farm at Back cove; that Knight held possession
of said ten acres until one Co}^ came and lived in the house thereon,

134 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

who lived in it "about six or ten years" and sold it to his brothers,
John Baker (who married Abraham's sister, Susannah) and Zacha-
riah Brackett, and they "exchanged it with Stephen Jones;" that his
brother Baker lived in the house "and his son Josiah (bapt. 1741)
was born there;" that Jones held it until one, Ross (probably John),
"then first arrived from Scotland came and occupied the same;" that
his age at time of making the affidavit was ninety-two years.

The aged witness might well remember the fact he relates as to
Ross, as it probabl}^ was Ross' daughter, Mary, who was his father's
second wife and was so good a hand at making trouble in the family.
Dr. Brackett of lyce, said she was an Irish woman; she was perhaps
Scotch-Irish.

It is certain that he lived in Falmouth continuously from 17 19 to
1745; King George's war commenced in 1744, and it is ventured that
he did not fail to do his duty to his country in this war with the
French and Indians, nor in the war beginning in 1757. When a boy,
in 1725, he witnessed the imposing proceedings on the part of the
colonial official in negotiating the treaty of peace of that year with
the Indian sagamores at Falmouth; once more he could stir without
fear outside of the confines of a garrison house. Then in 1732, he saw
the Indians come boldly to Falmouth flaunting a French flag at the
head of their column, to confirm the treaty anew. He lived to see
the day when he hailed with joy the sight of a French flag.

He married (intention published December 13, 1743) Joanna
Springer; she hailed from Georgetown, Me., was the daughter of James
Springer who died there intestate about the year 1772. In the year
1745, Abraham and his wife united with the church in Falmouth,
were admitted to full communion. During the preceding year their
oldest daughter, Hannah, was born; she was baptized in Falmouth.
They had fifteen other children of whose baptisms no record has been
found. The wife died before May i, 1782, on which date an order
was made in the administration of her father's estate assigning their
respective shares to his children, in which she is mentioned as
deceased. The absence of all baptismal, church, town and military
records pertaining to Abraham Brackett or to any member of his fam-
ily, from 1745 to 1777, is strongly indicative that during all his mar-
ried life Abraham Brackett did not dwell in Falmouth. Perhaps
upon the death of his wife, Abraham returned to Falmouth; the cen-
suses of 1790 and 1800 show him a resident of the town and a mem-
ber of the family of Abraham, Jr.

For many 3'ears prior to 1800, there was a military road running
from Falmouth to fort Halifax at the junction of the Sebasticook and
Kennebec rivers. About year 1803, he accompanied his son Abra-
ham, who that 3^ear removed from Falmouth to Sidney, one of the
towns not far from the site of fort Halifax. It was while living in
Sidney in May, 1806, that he signed the affidavit, to which reference
has been made. He died August 10, 1806, at the age of ninety-two
years.

The names and dates of births of his children are given on very
good genealogical authority, that of a family record of the same. The
original may be extant; the copies which have been inspected contain
the names of fifteen children. The child Mary is given on the auth-
ority of the record of the order assigning the estate of James Springer,

f>

ABRAHAM, OF FALMOUTH 135

grandfather of the children; at the time the order was made, his
daughter, the mother of the children, was dead, hence her share of
his estate was assigned to them; in this order, as one of the children
and with the names of the other children, is mentioned Mary Hodg-
kins, all of the children being mentioned in the order, except those
who died young. Issue:

1. Hannah, b. 4 Sept., 1744; married James Springer.

2. Mary, who married Hodgkins.

3. Abigail, b. 7 Feb., 1747; died young.

4. Susannah, b. 7 Oct., 1748; married James Jewell.

5. Eunice, b. 20 Dec, 1750; married Simeon Paine.

6. Elizabeth, b. 4 Mar., 1752; married George Andrews.

7. Abraham, b. 8 Aug., 1753; died young.

8. Joanna, b. 19 Mar., 1755; died young.

9. Nathaniel, b. 4 Sept., 1756; resided in Georgetown; was living
in 1782; was private in Captain Jonathan Nowell's company, Colone
James Scammon's regiment; muster roll dated i Aug., 1775; enlisted
3 May, 1775, served three months and six days; received order for
bounty coat or its equivalent in mone}^ date Cambridge, '6 Nov.,
1775. No further record.

10. Joanna, b. 4 Sept., 1760; mar. Philip Norcross.

11. Abigail, b. 2 Apr., 1762; probably deceased before 1782.

12. James, b. 5 May, 1764. See family 2.

13. Abraham, b. 26 Aug., 1765. See family 3.

14. Sarah, b. 7 Mar., 1767; she was the family historian; learned
from her father the family traditions and faithfully preserved them;
married Elias Field; resided in Phillips, Me.; died 19 Nov., 1838.
No issue.

15. Anthon5^ b. 30 Mar., 1769. See family 4.

16. Samuel, b. 5 Nov., 1770. See family 5.

SIXTH GENERATION.

FAMILY NO. 2.

From Family No. i. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Abraham, James.

James Brackett was born May 5, 1764; he was in the twelfth
year of his age the first 3-ear of the War of the Revolution; had hardly
completed his eleventh year when was fought the battle of I^exington.
On becoming fourteen years old, parental authority could no longer
restrain his ardent patriotism; he ran away from home and became a
privateer. After some months of service of varying success and fail-
ure, the little vessel on which he served was disabled in battle, and
the crew barely escaped with their lives to the nearest shore, then
within the British lines; secreting themselves by day and foraging by
night they finally made their escape. In after years, during the war,
and while a soldier, when men were detailed from his company to
man a sloop of war, those fitted for such service were selected; they
were men who could serve a double part at war, fight equally as well
on the sea as on the land; among the number thus selected was
James Brackett. When making his claim for pension, over forty

136 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

years later, he did not mention his naval ser\'ice aboard the privateer.
Not that he had forgotten it, for his children knew, and his grand-
children know, the story of the cruise of the ill-fated little vessel, from
his relating it. Probably it was that the adventure was not pursuant
to any contract with the government, continental or state, for service,
and hard service as it was, it would not entitle him to pension. But
pension was not his object in those days; hence service, such as a
recruiting officer would not be required to pass upon his ability to
perform, or other officer inquire as to whether he had his parents'
consent to enter into, suited his case exactly, and this service he
engaged in, and in his old days, delighted to relate about. In 1832,
he applied for pension; set forth that he was then sixty-eight 3^ears
old, a resident of Berlin, Me; that he serv^ed in Captain Solomon
Walker's company. Colonel Prime's regiment; enlisted in April 1780,
for eight months. Relative to this term of service the records of the
War Department show that "James Bracket" was a private in
Captain Solomon Walker's company. Colonel Joseph Prime's regi-
ment; under command of General Wadsworth; enlisted April 30,

1780, discharged December 26, 1780, ser\^ed "7 months and 27 daj^s
at Eastward."

He further stated that he again enlisted in April 1781, for nine
months in Captain Benjamin Lemont's company, Samuel McCobb's
regiment; was discharged January 2, 1782, at Bath, Me.; that part of
the time he was on board of the sloop of war "Defense."

Relative to said term of service, the records in the War Depart-
ment show that "James Bracket" was a private in Captain Benjamin
IvCmont's company. Colonel McCobb's regiment; enlisted May 10,

1 78 1, discharged Dec. i, 1781, "serv^ed 6 month and 20 days near
Penobscot river;" that on board of marine sloop, "Defense," com-
manded b}^ Captain James Nivens, he ser\^ed one month and twenty-
four days, "was engaged 2 Aug., 1781, discharged 26 Sept., 1781."

Also published records show that he gave receipt dated "Cox-
head 8 June 1781," to Captain Benj. Lemont, for musket, etc.

Abraham Brackett of Sidney, Kennebec count}^ Maine, testified
under date of September 20, 1832, that — "I well recollect that my
brother James, within named, enlisted and went into the service at
both the times by him mentioned."

The claim was allowed and he was paid pension to the date of
his death.

For several ^^ears after the close of the war he followed the sea;
later he became a shipper and horse dealer; bought horses, shipped
them from New Orleans to the West Indies and other places, and
once lost a cargo of horses b}^ a storm on the Gulf of Mexico. Shortly
before his marriage, he had ceased his wandering and adventurous
life; he settled in Sidney, Me., where he became engaged in the man-
ufacture and sale of lumber. Here he prospered for several years, was
on the road to wealth, when, at a time he had reached the age of fifty
years, and had a famih' of eight children, in one night all he had,
mills and lumber, were swept away by a flood. With propert}^ gone
and indebtedness of his own to meet, his hard lot was made still hard-
er by an obligation he had entered into by a pledge of his credit
for the accommodation of another who lost his all b}^ the same flood.
This disaster came upon him when he was well advanced in years,

ABRAHAM, OF FALMOUTH 137

when his prospects were the brightest, and when he could reasonably
look forward to a life of ease and pleasure. A few years were spent
in Sidney in adjusting his affairs and then he went to the wilds of
Oxford county to begin life anew in a business way on a farm. De-
termination of purpose overcomes obstacles. Land was purchased,
cleared, tilled to an advantage, and from the profits of this farm the
last of his debts were paid. It is gratifying to record that this was
accomplished, with the pleasures of life which are the lot of a pros-
perous farmer.

A personal description of him is, that he was about five feet, ten
inches in height, had a clean cut face, a sharp nose and was easy and
quick in his movements. Also was, at times, given to making decid-
edly pointed and pithy remarks.

His farm in Oxford county was in the town called at the time he
settled there, Berhn, subsequently Phillips, in that part which is
West PhilHps; it is now owned (1906) by his grandson WiUi am
Brackett. On the farm is an orchard which he planted and in which
he took great pride. On this farm he settled about 1819, and passed
the remainder of his days. He died March 22, 1845. One of his
neighbors was his sister Sarah, who married SiL^s Field. The graves
of the four, of himself, his wife, his sister Sarah, and her husband,
are in the little graveyard in the Levi Field place; there, side by side,
rest their remains.

He married Januarv 31 < 1798, Marv Lunt. Of her. Rev. Dr.
Nathan Brackett of Harper's Ferry, W.. V., wrote— "If grandmother
now and then smoked a long-stemmed, clean clay pipe, she did it
with such exquisite neatness that none of her many granddaughters
would have blushed to have seen her. Nobody could bind a stone-
bruised bare foot or a whittled finger quite as nicely as grandmother.
I wish I had one of those pretty lace caps she used to wear, or, better
still, a real picture of her at spinning fiax on a little wheel, as I can
now see her."

She was born May 19, 1779, died July 8, 1849, was daughter of
Benjamin Lunt. He was born August 15, 1747, died in January,
1822, married January 7, 1768, Mercy Brackett; was son of James.
He was son of the 2d Henry, who was born June 23, 1698, in New-
berrv, Mass., and wife Hannah, daughter of Joseph Noyes. Mercy
Brackett was daughter of Joshua and wife Esther Cox (see div. 7,
fam. I). Issue:

1. Eunice, b. i Aug., 1798; mar. WiUiam Butler; no issue.

2. Hannah, b. 25 Jan., 1800; mar. 29 Dec, 1827, Joseph Hoar.

Issue.

1st. Eunice Butler, b. 13 May, 1829; mar. Wilham Haley,
farmer, b. in 1825, d. in 1894; residence in Greenvale, Me. Issue:

I. Mary E., b. in 1848; mar. (ist) in 1863, J. D. Quimby;
(2nd) George Oaks; residence in Rangeley, Me. Issue:

a. Willie Quimby; is a trader in Rangeley.

II. Lois E., b. in 1849; mar. George Oaks; d. in 1869. No

issue.

III. WiUiam A., b. in 1853; mar. in 1869. Children are

Mertie; Lena; Alice and Florence.

IV. Cenath J., b. in 1858; mar. in 1874, George H. Snow-
man; resides in Rangeley; have dau. Einnie.

138 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

V. Esther A., b. in 1862; d. in 1864.

VI. James G., b. in 1862; an adopted child, nephew of Mrs.
Haley; is a farmer in Rangeley.

VII. Chauncey, b. in 1873; lives with his mother.

2d. lyois Brackett, b. i Dec., 1830, in Rangele^^; mar. 24 Oct.',
1858, Thomas Frazier, b. 14 Jan. 1833, d. in June, 1891, son of
Joseph and wife, Rlioda Butterfield, of Rangeley; was a farmer. In
1869, he removed from Maine to Minnesota; in 1881, removed to
North Dakota. Mrs. Frazier resides at Hoople in that state. She
relates a story told by her grandfather Brackett. It is that his
grandfather, who was living with one of his sons, heard the tinkle
of a bell which was worn by an ox. Supposing the ox was in
mischief, he started to drive it out of the corn. The bell was rung
by Indians who killed the grandfather on his approach. Issue:

I. Addie M., b. in July, 1859; mar. 15 Dec, 1887, Thomas
Wadge; resides at Park River, N. D. Issue:

a. Earl F.. b. 15 July, 1889.

II. Fred E., b. in Jan., 1861; mar. 21 June, 1893, Maggie E.
Turner; home in Charlevoix, Mich. Issue:

a. Eois M., b. 19 Jan., 1895.

III. Frank F., b. in Apr., 1863.

IV. Marcia N., b. in Nov., 1865.

V. Will T., b. in Feb., 1867; d. i Apr., 1900.

VI. Mamie H., b. in May, 1872; d. 21 Sept., 1882.

VII. Lynn J., b. in Dec, 1874; attended, as student, the
University of North Dakota.

3d. Joseph J., b. 7 Aug., 1832, in Dallas plantation. Me.;
mar. i Apr., 1858, Nancy A. Haines, b. 13 Oct., 1838, dan. of Eyman
and wife, Sally C. James, of Rangeley, Me. He resides in Rowley,
Mass.; is a mail carrier. His name was changed to "Nile," by an
act of a state legislature. Issue:

I. Blanch E., b. 11 June, 1859, mar. in Jan., 1875, Gorham
R. Hardy; residence, Rowley, Mass. Issue:

a. Lottie May, b. 27 Aug., 1876.

b. Joseph Hale, b. i June, 1878.

c. Frederick Roscoe, b. 19 Mar., 1880.

d. Harris B., b. 9 Jan., 1882.

e. Bertie E., b. 22 June, 1883.

f. Ruth E., b. 13 July, 1894.

g. Gracie F., b. 15 Jan., 1896.

II. Nellie N., is deceased.

III. Nettie N., b. 17 Jan., 1870; mar. (ist) 2 June, 1887,
Sumner McKeshnie; (2nd) 30 Oct., 1890, Nahum G. Bubier; resides
in Rowley, Mass. Issue, by first husband: .

a. Prudie May. ^-t.^ila i^i l^'^^^AA'

By second husband.

M

b. Perry E., 10 Apr., 1892.

c. Nellie N., 27 Sept., 1893.

d. Joseph N., 16 Mar., 1896.

e. Nora E., 16 Dec, 1897.

4th. Hannah J., b. 12 Aug., 1834, in Rangeley, Me.; mar.
25 Nov., 1858, Matthias Haines, b. 13 Oct., 1835, son of Lyman and
wife, Sally C. James of Rangeley, Me., formerly of Campton, N. H.;
was a farmer in Rangeley; now in Mexico, Me. Issue:

ABRAHAM, OF FALMOUTH 139

I. Eva B., b. 7 Aug., 1859; mar. 7 Aug., 1879, Laforest
Beedy; home in Ridlonville, Me. Issue: Bessie A., b. 3 Aug., 1880;
Carson L., b. 8 Mar.. 1882; Freelan F., b. 15 July 1884; Flossie E.,
b. 25 May, 1887; RettaM., b. 10 Aug., 1893; Milfred F., b. 21 June,
1 90 1.

II. Josephine C, b. 29 Dec, i860; mar. 17 July, 1881, Joel
Hoar; home in Rangeley. Issue: Carl, b. 28 Apr., 1882; Everett
M., b. 28 Apr., 1888.

III. Hannah B., b. 18 Jan., 1862; mar. 10 Nov., 1891, Ira
T. Wing; home in East Madrid, Me. Issue: Elsie M., b. 25 Mar.,
1893; Milo M., b. 26 July, 1896; Huldah B., b. 15 Nov., 1898.

IV. Joseph M., b. 21 Apr., 1865; mar. 6 Apr., 1887, Sarah
T. Wilber; home in Phillips, Me. Issue: Oman J., b. 14 Mar.,
1890; Sarah M., b. 29 Dec., 1898.

V. Amy G., b. 22 Jan., 1867; mar. 7 July, 1886, Fred
Dresser; home in Georgetown, Mass. Issue: Merton G., b. 7 Mar.,
1891.

VI. Angie S., b. 4 Mar., 1870; mar. 25 Oct., 1885, Melvin
J. Doyen; home in Ridlonville, Me. Issue: Bertie A., b. 17 June,
1886; Bernard M., b. 10 Sept., 1887; Pearl A., b. 8 Feb., 1890;
Mertie A., b. 4 Oct., 1896.

VII. Lyman L., b. 19 Oct., 1872.

VIII. Eeon F., b. 16 Nov., 1876; mar. 6 July, 1899, Mertie
Iv. Davenport; home in Rangele}^ Me.

IX. Harvey J., b. 11 Sept., 1880.

5th. Eutlier, b. 4 Dec, 1837; mar. (ist) Belle P. Abbot, is
dec; (2nd) Josephine Winship; is dec; resided in Farmington, Me.
No further record.

(3th. Esther M., b. 18 May, 1841; mar. 29 Nov., i860, John R.
Toothaker, b. 8 Jan., 1839, son of Abner and wife, Phoebe Wilber
of Phillips, Me.; is a farmer and lumberman; home in Rangeley.
Issue:

I. Ermon L,., b. 8 Nov., 1861; mar. 28 Apr., 1882, Ella
Hinkley; home in Rangeley, Me. Issue: Inza B., b. 28 Feb., 1883;
Cora, b., i Sept., 1886; d. 24 May, 1887; Linwood, b. 3 May, 1888;
Lero, b. 30 July, 1890; Fen, b. 23 Dec, 1895; Cherry, b. 12 Jan.,
1900.

II. Minnie E., b. i Feb., 1864; mar. 27 Aug., 1880, George
Pillsbury; home in Rangeley. Issue: Vei^n G., b. 12 Nov., 1881;
Mary E., b. 18 Jan., 1883; Lena B., b. 18 Nov., 1884; Earl S., b.
26 Sept., 1886; John R., b. 22 Jan., 1888; Phil O., b. 20 Oct., 1890;
Eulene A., b. 24 May, 1892; Rolla T., b. 27 Aug., 1894; Don M., b.
28 July, 1898; Ralph A., b. 26 Jan., 1900.

III. Bertha E., b. 10 Feb., 1867; d. 30 May, 1867.

IV. Lincoln A., b. 18 Apr., 1869; mar. 4 July, 1890, Ida
Keith; home in Rangeley. Issue: Ruby E., b. 18 Apr., 1891;
Shirley L., b. 10 May, 1893; Van W., b. 20 June, 1895.

V. Archie R., b. 20 Aug., 1872; mar. 14 Nov., 1891, Addie
Lamb; home in Rangeley. Issue: Coe E., b. 7 Apr., 1892; Hazel
U., b. 28 Mar., 1893.

VI. Elsie, b., 28 June, 1874; d. 28 Dec, 1874.

VII. Rolla, b. 13 Feb., 1878; lives in Rangeley.

140 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

Tth. James H., b. 5 June, 1843, ^^ Rangele^-, Me.; mar. 2 Apr.,
1871, Isabella M. Marsh, b. i Feb., 1852, dau. of Isaiah and wife,
Jerusha Lewis of Waukegan, 111.; is a fruit grower; resides in Fern-
ley, California. He, and also his brother Luther, had their surname
changed to Nile by an act of the state legislature. Issue:

I. Ella M., b. 8 Jan., 1872; mar. 17 Nov., 1895, Guy V.
Robinson; home in Fernley. Issue:

a. Guy Nile, b. 6 Mar., 1897.

l>. Aris Isabella, b. 16 Dec, 1898.

II. Jessie, b. 27 Oct., 1875; mar. 5 Maj', 1897, Wm. E. John-
ston; home in Nevada City, Cal. Issue:

a. James Carlyton, b. 13 Feb., 1898.

b. Zelda, b. 14 June, 1899.

III. Cora B., b. 9 May, 1877.

IV. Herbert J., b. 5 May, 1882.

3. Lois, b. I Dec, 1801; mar. in 1827, John Hoar of Rangeley,
son of Luther and wife, Eunice Lakeman; d. in June, 1846. Issue:

1st. Mary B., b. 3 Feb., 1829; mar. Joseph R. Harris.

2nd. Dolly B., b. 6 Aug., 1830; is dec; mar. Jerr)^ B. Ellis,
is dec. Children: William; Amos; Joshua; Nathaniel; three daugh-
ters.

3d, JamesB., b. 12 Nov., 1831; surname changed to Nile; mar.
5 Apr., 1854, Samantha Hinkley, b. 5 Feb., 1828, d. 10 Sept., 1896,

dau. of Oliver and wife, Sarah of Gardiner, Me.; is a farmer;

home in Rangeley. Issue:

I. James O., b. 11 Feb., 1855; mar. Lizzie Steward; d. 20
Feb., 1898. Children: Nellie A.; Robert; Samantha O.; Melvin;
Bradford; Belle; Velma; Louis, b. 14 Feb., 1898.

II. Anna A., b. 17 Feb., 1857; mar. (ist) 24 Sept., 1883,
Jesse Ross; (2nd) 9 Mar., 1893, Alexis E. Blodgett; home in
Rangeley.

III. Infant boy, b. 2 Jan., 1859; d. 3 May, 1859.

IV. Zelier, b. 25 Dec, 1859; mar. in 1893, Clista Thomas.
No issue.

V. Sarah E.. b. 22 Feb., 1861; d. in May, 1861.

VI. Charles E., b. 6 May, 1863; mar. in Sept., 1889, Flora
Taylor; home in Rangeley. Children: James; John; Jessie R.; Louis;
Addie; Hattie.

VII. Benjamin F., b. 9 Jan., 1865; mar. in Oct., 1890, Nellie
Withie; home in Rangeley. Children, Anna; Naomi; May; Dolly;
Frank, b. 8 Jan., 1898.

VIII. Daniel L., b. 15 June, 1868; mar. Naomi E. Moody.

IX. Calvin Daws, b. 19 Dec, 187 1.

4th. John L., b. 12 Aug., 1834; mar. 15 Mar., 1855, Dorcas
Hale}^ b. 12 Aug., 1836, dau. of John and wife, Polly Lowell of
Rangeley; is a farmer; had his surname changed to Nile. Issue:

I. John F., b. 16 Jan., 1856; mar. i Jan., 1886, Marj^ A.
Collins. Children: Otto T., b. 25 Nov., 1892; Orrin T., b. 9 Aug.,
1900.

II. Gunear G., b. 23 Dec, 1858; mar. 6 Feb., 1876, John L.
Huntoon. Children: Austin L., b. 9 Nov., 1879; Harr}^ b. 16 June,
1888; Mildred G., b. 29 Nov., 1897.

ABRAHAM, OF FALMOUTH 141

III. Isaac E., b. 5 Dec, 1861; mar. 14 Oct., 1883, lyillie A.
Hoar. Children: Lloyd, b. 20 Mar., 1884; Dean, b. 5 Jan., 1886;
Alton, b. 20 Oct., 1887; Ethel, b. 30 Apr., 1889.

IV. Dennis, b. 31 July, 1864; mar. 2 Nov., 1893, Lillie Moore.
Children: Roberta, b. 6 Jan., 1897; Colon H., b. 4 Jan., 1900.

V. Eucy A., b. 28 July, 1871; mar. Bert Herrick.

VI. Milton C, b. 7 Oct., 1873. All live in Rangeley.

5th. Benjamin F., b. in 1838, in Rangeley; mar. 7 May, 1863,
Virginia S. Chichester, b. about 1848, dau. of Elias and wife, Nancy
Knox of California; is a farmer; home in Healdsburg, Sonoma co.,
Cal. Issue:

I. Addie, b. in 1865; mar. in 1882, James McDowell, is dec.
Children: James E.; Franklin B.; Pearl M.; William A.; Harry E.,
Hazel E. II. Benjamin F., b. in 1868. III. Charles A., b. in
1870; mar. in 1900, Emma Hamlin. IV. Mary E., b. in 1871;
mar. in 1896, Stephen T. Hare. V. Harry H., b. in 1880.
VI. Jennie S., b. in 1882.

6th. Jane B., who mar. Samuel Eane. Children: Ollie; Stella;
son, dec.

7th. Hannah B.; is dec.

8th. Amos; is dec.

9th. Nathaniel B., b. 22 May, 1841; mar. 3 Apr., 1867, H.
Elizabeth Lamb, b. 24 Mar., 1848, darf. of Joseph and wife, Mercy
A. Dill of Rangeley; served in 7th Me. vol. inf. from 17 Aug., 1861,
to Jan., 1862; in co. F, 2nd Me. vol. cav. from 17 Feb., 1862, to 16
Dec, 1865; surname was changed to Nile; resides in Bloomfield,
Cal. Issue:

I. Jennie M., b. 19 May, 1869; d. 11 June, 1869.

II. Inza E., b. 23 July, 1871; mar. Eeroy S. Shanes, who
d. in 1898.

10th. Eois E., b. 24 Dec, 1846; mar. Calvin Moore; home in
Phillips.

4. Jane; never mar.; d. in 1843.

5. Nathaniel M., b. i Aug., 1803. See family 6.

6. Dolly, b. II Jan., 1807: mar. William P. Cook, b. 5 Aug.,
1809, d. 10 Sept., 1871, of Phillips, Me.; she d. 22 Jan., 1887.
Issue:

1st. Benjamin E-, b. 27 Feb., 1840; mar. 7 Oct., 1868, Beulah
Taj'lor, b. 2 Oct., 1850, dau. of Jonathan and wife, Rebecca Mc-
Pherson of Salem, New Jersey; is a groceryman in Salem. Issue:

I. Ella M., b. 13 Sept., 1870; mar. 11 Mar., 1890, Wilbert
G. Clark. Issue: Jesse, b. 20 Apr., 1894; Beulah, b. 13 Feb., 1897;
Norman, b. 24 Feb., 1899.

II. Jennie T., b. 4 Sept., 1875; mar. 28 June, 1899, John A.
Sutton.

III. Frank Brackett, b, 30 Sept., 1877.

IV. Alice Rebecca, b. 22 Julj^ 1883.

V. William Phillips, b. 8 Aug., 1888.

2nd. Jane B., who mar. Henr}^ Bates; is dec. No issue.
3d. Sarah F., who mar. M. Glenn; d. in 1877. No issue.
4th. Maria, mar. Eevi Bates; d. about 1876. No issue.

5th. Mary, d. 10 Aug., , age 7 years.

6th. Hannah, d. 11 Aug., , same year, age 5 years.

142 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

7. Anthony, b. in 1809; d. in infanc3^

8. James L,-, b. 4 Mar. 18 10. See family 7.

9. Joshua, b. 19 Mar., 1812. See family 8.

FAMILY NO. 3.

From Family No. i. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Abraham, Abraham.

Abraham Brackett, the thirteenth child of Abraham and wife,
Joanna Springer, was born August 26, 1765, in Falmouth, Me.,
where he resided until he removed to Sidnej', Me., prior to 1804.
The census of 1790 shows him a resident of Falmouth, as does the
census of 1800. In Sidney he was engaged in farming until his
death, November 19, 1838. In his deposition made in his brother
James' claim for pension, he testified that he well remembered both
occasions when his brother enlisted for service in the Continental
army. Married, October 16., 1786, Hannah Lunt of Brunswick,
Me., who died April 19, 1845. Issue:

1. Polly, b. 14 Feb., 1788; mar. 25 Feb., 1806, Oliver Springer;
lived in Sidne3^ She d. 27 Dec, 1829.

2. Mercy, b. i May, 1789; never mar.; d. 13 Dec, 1851.

3. Joan, b. 2 Dec, 1790; mar. 3 Sept., 1809, Robert Packard.
She d. I Dec, 1857.

4. Esther, b. 13 Oct. 1792; mar. 31 Dec, 181 1, Levi Moore;
lived in Sidney-. She d. 28 July, 1862. Issue:

1st. Sarah Merrill, b. 25 Oct., 1812; mar. in Mar., 1843,
Franklin L. Spearin of Clinton, Me. She d. 12 Dec, 1887. Issue:

I. Mary Esther, b. 2 July, 1845; mar. Fred Brown of Ben-
ton, Me.

II. William Leva, b. 6 Jan., 1847; mar. Helen Bean of
Hallowell, Me. He d. 21 Oct., 1894.

III. Eucy Ann, b. ; d. in infanc3^

IV. Hannah Moore, b. 18 Nov., 1851; mar. George Sim-
mons of Hallowell, Me.

V. Katie Moore, b. 30 Aug., 1853; mar. Eeslie Brown of
Benton, Me.

2nd. Hannah Brackett, b. 21 Dec, 1815; d. 17 Oct., 1863.

3d. Mercy Ann, b. 16 Nov., 1818; never mar.; d. 28 Aug.,
1870.

4th. Abraham Brackett, b. 7 Aug., 1821; is dec; mar. 21 Feb.,
1850, in Waterviile, Me., Eliza Ann Rej-nolds of Sidney, Me., the
Rev. Mr. Charles Gardiner officiating. Issue:

I. Fred Eeslie, b. 20 Apr., 1851; never mar.; d. 11 Nov.,
1872.

II. Frank Calvin, b. 6 Nov., 1853; mar. 11 June, 1886, in
Jamaica Plain, Mass., Mary Weston Merrill of Sidney, Me., the Rev.
Mr. Geo. S. Butters officiating.

III. Enos Eowe, b. 25 Apr., 1859.

IV. Mary Caroline, b. 24 June, 1861.

V. Alice Martha, b. 12 Aug., 1864.

VI. Antoinette R., b. 20 July, 1868.

6th. Poll)^ Springer, b. 29 May, 1823; never mar; d. 10 July,
1840.

ABRAHAM, OF FALMOUTH 143

6th. Enos Lowe, b. ii Apr., 1825; never mar; d. 31 Dec,
1857, in California.

5. Abigail, b. 26 Aug., 1794; mar. in Nov., 1812, Collins Moore.

6. Sarah F., b. 30 July, 1796; mar. in Nov., 1822, Daniel Jacobs;
resided in Sidney, Me.

7. Benjamin, b. 20 June, 1798; d. 11 Feb., 1799.

8. Betsey, b. 5 June, 1800; never mar.; d. 18 Mar., 1822.

9. Maria, b. 17 June, 1802; mar. 3 Sept., 1829, Paul T. Stevens
of Sidney, Me. She d. 14 Oct., 1843.

10. Abraham D., b. 11 July, 1803. See family 9.

11. Ruth S., b. 3 Nov., 1805; mar. 23 Dec, 1828, Thomas Avery;
resided in Sidney, Me. She d. 12 July, 1882.

12. Amos Iv., b. 22 Jan., 1808; mar. in Nov., 1838, Eliza M.
Hodgkins. He d. 29 May, 1857." No issue.

13. Enos D., b. 20 Aug., 1809. See family 10.

14. Stephen B., b. 29 Nov., 181 1. See family 11.

15. Benjamin F., b. 19 Feb., 1814. See family' 12.

FAMILY NO. 4.

From Family No. i. Descent: Anthony, Antlion}^ Zachariah,
Abraham, Anthony.

Anthony Brackett was born March 30, 1769, in Falmouth, Me.,
where he continued to reside until about the time of his marriage.
The census of 1800 shows him living in Augusta, Me., with a family
of four sons and a daughter. He married Deborah Shaw born about
1771, died May 2, 1857. Was a farmer; held the offices of selectman
and of road commissioner in Sidney, Me., in which town he died in
June, 1 82 1. Issue, not named in order of birth:

1. Martha, never mar.; lived in Augusta, Me.

2. Abraham, b. about 1795. See famil)^ 13.

3. Samuel, never mar.; lived in Augusta, Me.; was drowned in
the Kennebec river.

4. George, never mar.; lived in Boston where he d. at an ad-
vanced age.

5. Anthony, b. in Sept. 1800. See family 14.

6. John, mar. Daura Aiken; lived in Augusta. No further
record.

7. Deborah, never mar.; lived in Boston; she went south sub-
sequently to the death of her brother Ruel, to look after his estate
and was never heard from.

8. Lucy, mar. Elijah Howard; lived in Boston. Children: Ellen;
Mary; Orlando.

9. James S., b. 20 June, 1810. See family 15.

10. Ruel, never mar.; lived in Boston; went south where he
died before the civil war.

FAMILY NO. 5.

From Family No. i. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Abraham, Samuel.

Samuel Brackett was born November 5, 1770, in Falmouth, Me.,
where he resided during his life; was a physician and practiced in

144 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

Portland. He was the only male member of his father's family who

spent his days in Old Falmouth. Married Thresa , and died

in Portland. Issue, not in order of birth:

1. Cornelius F. S., who mar. 6 June, 1828, Marj^ Ann Reid; he
was a physician; no further record.

2. Joan, who married Elvator Elder.

3. Charles W. F.; went to Boston. No further record.

4. F'^rances, who married William Sears of Charleston, Mass.

5. Mary R., b. .

The last three named children were minors in 1842; in that year
their guardian, Simon Elder, convej^ed their interest in the following-
described property, subject to their mother's dower in the same.
Begin at Piscataqua bridge, thence down river to Jere Hall's land;
thence by Hall's land to Gallison's land; thence bj'- Gallison's land
to road; thence by road to beginning. On the above described tract
probably was situated the residence of Dr. Samuel Brackett. The
heirs conve3'ed no other tract.

SEVENTH GENERATION.

FAMILY NO. 6.

From Family No. 2. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Abraham, James, Nathaniel M.

Nathaniel Mitton Brackett was born August i, 1803; married
October 25, 1837, Sally Worthley, born October 25, 1808, died Octo-
ber 6, 1856, daughter of Asa and wife, Jane Storer, of Avon, Me.
Mr. Brackett was a farmer; he died in California, September 7, 1893.
Issue:

1. Jacob H., b. 17 Dec, 1838. See family 16.

2. Mary J., b. 18 Sept., 1840, in Madrid, Me.; mar. 3 Mar., 1869,
Richard H. McKenney, b. 12 June, 1832, son of Richard and wife
Betsey Barter of Phillips, Me. Mr. McKenney is a farmer in Phillips.
Issue:

1st. Charles H., b. 7 Aug., 1871; mar. 7 Aug., 1899, Retta
Phillips; residence, Phillips, Me. Issue:
I. Arlon P., b. 18 Sept., 1901.

2d. Lillian, b. 31 July, 1879; mar. 3 Jan., 1898, Frank Calden;
residence, Phillips, Me. Issue:

I. Richard I, b. 10 June, 1899, in Phillips.

II. Herbert S., b. 7 Mar., 1901, in Phillips.

3. Ansel, b. 25 Dec, 1842; d. 27 Sept. 1864.

4. Asa Worthley, b. 18 June, 1845; married Ella Whitmore; d.
28 Sept., 1884. No issue.

5. William Francis, b. 22 Mar., 1848; residence, Phillips, Me.,
on the farm that was owned by his grandfather Brackett, now his
property.

6. George Worthley, b. 21 Sept., 1855; residence, Santa Rosa,
Cal.

ABRAHAM, OF FALMOUTH 145

FAMILY NO. 7.

From Family No. 2. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Abraham, James, James L,.

James L. Brackett was born March 4, 1810; married March 28,
1838, Nancy T. Bubier, b. September 20, 1821, died April 17, 1893,
daughter of Mark and wife Betsey Shepard, of Dallas plantation,
Me. Mr. Brackett was a farmer and resided in Dallas plantation;
he died March 6, 1868. Issue:

1. Elias F., b. 2 Sept., 1839. See family 17.

2. Sarah J., b. i May, 1842; d. 2 Apr., 1899; mar. 30 June, 1861,
William H. Smith, d. 8 June, 1896, son of John and wife, Silence
Mitchell; resided in Phillips, Me. Issue:

1st. Evalina, b. 27 Dec, 1862; married Jerry Eowell.

2nd. Tryphena H., who married Charles Neal.

3d. Lillian M., who married Arthur W. Soule. Issue:

I. Silence J., b. 13 Jan., 1883. II. Edna M. b. 30 Oct.,
1896. III. Eunette. IV. Baby boy.
4th. Clara M., b. i July, 1872.

3. Melissa, b. 25 Feb., 1844; mar. 26 Dec.: 1863, Reuben Ross,

son of Elbridge G. and wife Sarah of Rangeley, Me. She d,

in Nov., 1880. Issue:

. 1st. Ernest, who married Cora M". Eowell. Issue:

I. Mary M. II. Eisle J. III. Annie B. IV. Willis.
V. Susan M.

2d. Herbert, who married Esther Gile. Issue:
I. Ilda.

3d. Nancy, who married Henry Robish. Issue:

Three boys who were drowned in 1899 while fishing in a boat.

4th. Elbridge, who married Josie Taylor.

5th. Abram, who married Myra Wilbur.

6th. Joseph J.

4. Clarissa, b. 3 Sept., 1847; mar. 8 Nov., 1865, Isaac R. Bubier,
b. 31 Dec, 1842, son of Alfred and wife, Nancy Withey, of Dallas
plantation. Me. Isaac R. and wife, reside in Phillips, Me. Issue:

1st. Joshua S., b. 29 July, 1867; d. 30 Mar., 1872.

2d. George E., b. 28 Apr., 1869; d. 14 July, 1869.

3d. Eois A., b. 16 Apr., 1870; mar. 22 Sept., 1890, Freeman
Perry. Issue:

I. Olive G., b. 3 Mar., 1893.

4th. David N., b. 22 Apr., 1872; d. 9 Jan., 1893.

5th. Jane M., b. 6 Apr., 1875; mar. 11 Sept., 1893, Walter
Perry. Issue:

I. Belle, b. 4 Dec, 1896.

6th. James O., b. 8 Nov., 1878; d. 3 Mar., 1883.

7th. Carlton F., b. 24 Jan., 1880.

8th. Clarissa, b. 25 June, 1882; d. 3 Aug., 1883.

9th. Isaac K., b. 27 Apr., 1886.

10th. Nancy W., b. 4 July, 1888; d. 24 Mar., 1889.

11th. Veard, b., 7 Feb., 1890; d. 3 Dec, 1892.

5. Joseph J., b. 12 Dec, 1850; unmarried; a farmer in Rangeley,
Me.

6. James N., b. 10 July, 1853; unmarried; a farmer in Rangeley,
Me.

146 BRACKETT GENEAIvOGY

7. Eunice A., b. i Sept., 1855; mar. 23 Oct., 1870, Robert Crosby.
She d. 12 June, 1875. Issue:

1st. Villetta, who mar. Nathan Alber.
2nd. Emma, who mar. Fred Raymond.

8. Nancy E., b. 10 Jan., 1857; resides in Rangeley, Me.

FAMILY NO. 8.

From Family No. 2. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Abraham, James, Joshua.

Joshua Brackett was born March 19, 1812; married November 30,
1834, Mary Cook, b. in 18 14, in Madrid, Me., living in 1905, daugh-
ter of Abel Cook and wife, Olive Plummer. Joshua Brackett was
seven years old when his father removed from Sidney to Oxford
county; he lived on the home farm, now in West Phillips, Me., for
forty-five years; sold it to the sons of his brother, Nathaniel M., and
moved nearer to the village; was a prosperous farmer and lumber-
man; died in November, 1893. Issue:

Nathan C, b. 28 July, 1836. See family 18.

2. Olive A., b. 17 Sept., 1838; mar. D. C. lycavitt; she d. in :
1897. No issue.

3. James S., b. 23 June, 1841; mar. Ella Roysell. Issue:

1st. Sarah M., who mar. 14 Feb., 1900, Louis Bartlett Costello,
b. 14 Sept., 1876, in Wells, Me., son of Nicholas of Prince Edwards
island and Anna Hill of Wells, Me. Issue:
I. Louis, b. 27 Ma}', 1902.

4. Laura N., b. 6 May, 1850; mar. 28 Sept., 1901, George Will-
ard Wood, b. 21 Aug., 1854, in Lewiston, Me., son of James and
Elizabeth Blackwell; he is editor of the Lewiston Dail}^ Sun.

5. Lura E., b. twin with Laura N.; mar. 7 June, 1884, Scott
Lightner, b. 23 Nov., 1847, son of Henry and wife, Mary Stuart, of
Perr}^ co., Penn.; is cashier of Bank of Harper's Ferry, W. Va.
She began work in Storer college in 1870, as an assistant teacher, with
which institution she has since been connected, except a few months
in 1872; is a graduate of Western State normal school at Farmington,
Me. Her work in Storer college has been in its normal department.

FAMILY NO. 9.

From Family No. 3. Descent: Anthony, Anthonj^ Zachariah,
Abraham, Abraham, Abraham D.

Abraham D. Brackett was born in Sidne}^ Me., July 11,
1803; in his infancy, his father moved to Augusta, Me. He married
July 8, 1830, Elizabeth Longley, who died FebruarN' 15, 1884,
daughter of Obediah and wife, Elizabeth Woodcock, of Sidney, Me.
Mr. Brackett was a farmer; he resided in Clinton and later in Sid-
ney, Me., where he died April 19, 1850. Issue:

1. Hannah Elizabeth, b. in 1832; mar. Charles H. Ellis. She
d. 7 Mar., 1895.

2. Annette A., b. in 1834; d. 8 Apr., 1853.

,3. Esther, b. in 1837; mar. Sewall Woodcock.
4. Andrew T., b. 30 Aug., 1839. See family 19.

6. Benjamin F., b. 10 Jan., 1841. See family 20.

ABRAHAM,. OF FALMOUTH 147

FAMILY NO. 10.
From Family No. 3. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Abraham, Abraham, Enos L,.

Enos L,. Brackett was born in Sidney, Me., August 20, 1809;
married June 10, 1833, (ist) Miranda C. Brackett, born in 1818,
daughter of Zachariah and wife, Mary Cleaves, of New Gloucester,
Me. (see div. 5, fam, 13); she is deceased; married (2nd) in
December, 1839, Nancy Robinson. In 1850, Mr. Brackett lived in
Waterville, Me.; he died May 21, 1853. Issue:

1. Orrin, b. about 1836; probably married Ellen ; had son

Frank, b. 1859; lived in Waterville in i860, and d. in 186-.

2. Miranda, b. about 1841; no further record.

3. Nancy, b. about 1843; no further record.

4. Josephine, b. about 1846; no further record.

5. Sarah, b. about 1848; no further record.

6. William, b. about 1850; no further record.

FAMILY NO. 11.

From Family No. 3. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Abraham, Abraham, Stephen B.

Stephen B. Brackett was born November 29, 181 1, in Sidney,
Me. He married December 31, 1840, I^ouisa M. lyUnt, born Febru-
ary 14, 1818, in Brunswick, Me., died March 19, 1894, in Deering,
Me. Mr. Brackett was a school teacher; died August 17, 1864, in
Deering, Me. Issue:

1. Joseph Henry, b. 23 Nov., 1841; d. 29 Aug., 1880.

2. Elura, b. 3 June, 1843; d. 19 May, 1870.

3. Mary Addia, b. 25 Sept., 1846.

4. Charles E., b. 18 Dec, 1848; d. 25 Apr., 1865.

5. lyouisa Ellen, b. 29 Dec, 1851; d. 15 Apr., 1874.

6. Hannah Frances, b. 16 May, 1853; mar. W. E. Watson, of
Deering, Me.; resides in Deering. Mr. Watson is treasurer of the
Brackett Family association.

7. Lizzie, b. 23 Sept., 1856; mar. Albert E. Emerson, a car-
penter; lived in Biddeford, Me. She d. 24 May, 1889. Issue:

1st. Delcena Olive, mar. Albert Berry; children are Ralph;
Elura; Everett, dec; Alice Winifred.

2nd. Mildred Anna, married Rev. Mr. Chas. H. Garland; chil-
dren, Ruth; Dorothy E.; Esther; Roger; Phillip.

3d. Bernice Eouise, mar. Guy Goldthwaite. Child, Weston.

4th. Winifred, d. in infancy.

FAMILY NO. 12.

From Family No. 3. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Abraham, Abraham, Benjamin F.

Benjamin F. Brackett was born February 19, 18 14; in Sidney,
Me.; married February 3, 1837, Mary Snow of Canton, Mass., born
about 1 81 7. The census of 1850 shows Mr. Brackett a resident of
Augusta, Me. He was captain of a steamboat; died January 11,
1852. Issue:

1. Abraham, b. about 1839; no further record.

2. Mary E., b. about 1849; no further record.

148 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

FAMILY NO. 13.

From Family No. 4. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Abraham, Anthony, Abraham.

Abraham Brackett was born about 1795, in Augusta, Me.; mar-
ried Delane Wade, born about 1795. Dates of the death of himself
and wife have not been learned. In 1850, as the census of that year
shows, he lived in Augusta, Me.; his family then consisted of daugh-
ters, Caroline, Augusta, Lucretia, Elvira, and son William F. Issue:

1. Caroline Goldwaite, b. 10 Oct., 1818; never married; d. in
Augusta, Me.

2. Melvin Abraham, b. 20 Mar., 1821. See family 21.

3. Abigail Wade, b. 6 May, 1823; mar. (ist) Martin Arris of
Lisbon, Me.; mar. (2nd) Bronson. No issue:

4. Ehzabeth G., b. 8 Feb., 1825, in Augusta, Me.; mar. 22 Apr.,
1852, Reuben G. Freeman, b. 19 Jan., 1824, son of Elisha and wife,
Maria Covell, of Nova Scotia. Mr. Freeman is a dealer in shoes;
has lived in Nova Scotia and in the state of Massachusetts; now
resides in Minneapolis, Minn. Issue:

1st. Orlando Howard, b. 7 Dec, 1855; mar. 16 Dec, 1885,
Marian F. Hoffman; residence, Minneapolis, Minn. Issue:

I. Howard H., b. in Dec, 1887.

II. Theadore W., b. in Dec, 1890.

2d. Henry Wilson, b. 15 July, 1858; mar. in Nov., 1894, Mary
Poole; residence, Minneapolis, Minn.

3d. Jessie Helen, b. 27 Apr., i860; mar. 6 Nov., 1883, Arthur
A. Pomeroy; residence, Philadelphia. Issue:

I. Helen L., b. in May, .

II. George O., b. in Oct., 1888.

III. Chester, b. in Oct., 1895.

4th. Bertha Adelia, b. 7 Nov., 1861; mar. 8 Jan., 1884, Frank
Iv. Jackson; residence, Minneapolis. Issue:

I. Charles F., b. in Jan., 1886.

II. Ruth E., b. in August, 1889.

5th. Ena Porter, b. 6 May, 1863; mar. 24 Dec, 1885, Willard
J. Hield; residence, Minneapolis. Issue:

I. CHfford, b. in July, 1888.

II. Willard F., b. in Dec, 1895; d. 8 Apr., 1898.

5. Rachael Augusta, b. 20 June, 1827; mar. Daniel Orcutt of
Boston. She d. in Georgia. Issue:

I. Augusta. II. Laura.

6. Delane Wade, b. 18 Apr., 1829; d. 18 Feb., 1834, in Welling-
ton, Me.

7. George Washington, b. 20 Feb., 1831; d. 12 Feb., 1834.

8. Lucretia Ann, b. 22 Apr., 1833; mar. 22 Apr., 1853, David T.
Whitehouse of Boston, who d. in July, 1900; resided in Dorchester,
Mass. She died in 1900 in Berwick, Me. Issue: 1st. Alonzo.
2nd. Harrison C. 3d. Charles H. 4th. Willie A. 5th. LiHie
M. 6th. Etta J. 7th. Elizabeth. 8th. Bertha E.

9. Elvira Howard, b. 6 Jan., 1835, in Augusta, Me., mar. 28
August, 1852, Anthony Smith, b. 17 Apr., 1829, son of EHab and
wife, Sarah Robinson, of Sidney, Me. Mr. Smith is a farmer; resi-
dence. East Waldoboro, Me.; has also resided in Augusta and Sid-
ney, Me. Issue:

ABRAHAM, OF FALMOUTH 149

1st. Frederick R., b. 15 Mar., 1855; d. 5 Oct., 1862.

2nd. Emma A., b. 26 Oct., 1858; mar. 26 Mar., 1884, George
W. Studley. She d. 23 May, 1898.

3d. Jennie E., b. 17 Sept., 1862; mar. 2 July, 1882, George R.
Conant; residence, East Waldoboro, Me.

4th. Alice May, b. 17 Jan., 1866.

5th. Mary E./b. 13 Mar., 1868.

6th. Nettie F., b. 18 Oct., 1871.

10. William Franklin, b. 2 Jan., 1839; mar. Maria Sennott of
Boston; resided in Eynn. He d. 13 July, 1901. Issue:

1st. Florence, is deceased.

11. Samuel, who d. in infancy.

FAMILY NO. 14.

From Family No. 4. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Abraham, Anthony, Anthony.

Anthony Brackett was born in September, 1800, in Sidney, Me.
He married Hannah Eambert Wilson, born in 1802, in Eisbon, Me.,
and died September 16, 1885, in New York city. He was a real
estate broker in Cambridge, Mass.; died December 28, 1864. Issue:

1. Martha Eucretia, who d. in infancy.

2. Eucretia Martha, who d. in infancy.

3. Anthony, b. 9 July, 1830; d. 6 Sept., 1833.

4. Samuel A., b. in 1833; was married; is deceased. No issue.

5. Charles Ej^sander, b. 7 Mar., 1835. See family 22.

C. Hannah Cornelia, b. 9 June, 1838, in Cambridge, Mass.; mar.
16 June, 1859, Henry Gershom Eaughton. She died 25 May, 1880.

7. Orestes Rodman, b. 28 Feb., 184 1, in Dorchester, Mass.; mar.
Julia Parker. He d. in Nov., 1881. Issue, one daughter.

8. Alonzo Clifford, b. 24 May, 1844. See family 23.

FAMILY NO. 15.

From Family No. 4. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Abraham, Anthony, James S.

James Shaw Brackett was born June 20, 18 10, in Sidney, Me.;
married in 1833, Eunice Dinsmore, born October 8, 1812, died March
28, 1882, daughter of Thomas and wife, Harriet Moore, of Anson, Me.
Mr. Brackett was a farmer; resided in Sidne5^ Augusta, Anson,
Augusta, Madison and Stark, Me., in the order named. He died
July 9, 1877. Issue, not given in order of births:

1. Anthony, b. 27 April, 1834. See famity 24.

2. Thomas D., b. in 1836. See family 25..

3. James N., b. 21 iVug., 1839. See family 26.

4. Franklin W., b. 27 Apr., 1843. See family 27.

5. Abbie F., b. 9 Dec, 1844, in Stark, Me.; mar. 16 Sept., 1861,
Stephen S. Woodcock, b. 14 Aug., 1843, .son of George F., and wife,
Emeline Oilman, of Stark, Me.; is a farmer; residence. South Nor-
ridgewock. Me. Issue:

1st. Hattie B., b.'ii Dec., 1862; mar. 31 May, 1884, Walter A.
Rogers. Issue:

150 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

I. Edith M., b. 30 May, 1885.

II. Abbie F., b. 19 Jan., 1887.

III. Mary N,, b. 13 Dec, 1889.

IV. Olive W., b. 16 Aug., 1892.

V. Bessie C, b. 29 Nov., 1896.
2d. James B., b. 15 Apr., 1864.

3d. George F., b. 15 Sept., 1867; d. 15 Aug., 1869.
4th. OHve S., b. 25 Aug., 1869; mar. 26 Jan., 1896, Charles B.
Bigelow.

5tli. Everett D., b. 17 July, 1872; d. 5 Apr., 1893.
6th. Bessie M., b. 3 Aug., 1877.
7th. Charles E., b. 31 Oct., 1884.

6. Lydia S., b. i Jan., 1847, in Stark, Me.; mar. (ist) 3 Apr.,
1866, Oliver Porter, b. 26 May, 1827, d. 23 Dec, 1882, son of Tyler
and wife, Mary Quarles, of Hamilton, Mass. He was a drover and
butcher; lived in Hamilton, Mass., and Norridgewock, Me. She
mar. (2nd) Selden Buswell. Issue:

1st. George, b. 3 Feb., 1867; resides in South Norridgewock,
Me.

2nd. Benjamin F., b. 21 Dec, 1868; mar. 6 July, 1889, Harriet
F. Hilton; he is a house-painter and paper-hanger; resides in Anson,
Me. Issue:

I. Oliver J., b. 3 Aug., 1890.

3d. Thomas, b. 17 Nov., 1870; mar. Ida Tuttle; lives in
Farmington, Me. Issue, four children.

'4th. Harry, b. 24 Oct., 1872; residence. New Haven, Conn.

6th. Oliver B., b. 3 Apr., 1877; mar. Esther Oilman; resi-
dence, Skowhegan, Me. Issue: Hazel.

6th. Grace B., b. 6 Mar., 1881; mar. Dexter Kempton; resi-
dence, Phillips, Me. Issue, one child, a girl.

7. George O., who mar. in 1862, Jane Pennell; residence, not
known; no issue.

8. Samuel, b. 10 Sept., 1849. See family 28.

9. Orlando H., b. 21 Mar., 1851. See family 29.

10. Harriet, who d. 18 June, 1858.

EIGHTH GENERATION.

FAMILY NO. 16.

From Family No. 6. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Abraham, James, Nathaniel M., Jacob H.

Jacob H. Brackett was born December 17, 1838; he married
October 23, 1866, Joanna Gregory, born February 12, 1849, daughter
of John and wife, Sarah J. Carter, of California. Mr. Brackett is a
farmer; removed, in 1861, from Maine to California; resides in Santa
Rosa. Issue:

1. Lillian May, b. 27 Oct., 1868; d. 14 Aug., 1879.

2. William H., b. 2 Nov., 1870.

3. Hardy N., b. 25 Sept., 1880.

4. Asa M., b. 19 Oct., 1884.

6. Raymond, b. 11 Oct., 1889. All reside in Santa Rosa.

ABRAHAM, OF FALMOUTH 151

FAMILY NO. 17.

From Family No. 7. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Abraham, James, James h., Elias F.

Elias F. Brackett was born September 2, 1838; he married June
30, 1 86 1, in Dallas, Me., Hannah Oaks, born September 26, 1843,
Rev. Mr. E. Toothaker ofl&ciating. Mr. Brackett is a farmer; resi-
dence, Rangeley, Me. Issue:

1. Ellen, b. 14 Apr., 1863; mar. (ist) Clarence Hinkley; (2nd)
in 1899, Frank Oaks. Issue, by first husband: 1st. Cynthia.
2nd. Arvilla. 3d. Andy. 4th. Evert. By second husband: 5th.
Montfred. 6th. Otis.

2. Ella, b. twin with Ellen; mar. (ist) Charles Wynian; (2nd)
in 1880, Alonzo Dill. Issue: 1st. Lena Dill. 2nd. Georde Dill.

3. Walter A., b. 12 Sept., 1864; mar. in 1891, Edith Lamb.

4. Alfred, b. 22 Oct., 1865; mar. (ist) Mina Ellis; (2nd) in 1899,
Hannah Hoar.

5. Roderick, b. 31 Oct., 1867; mar. in 1895, Agnes Ross. Issue:
1st. Owis.

6. James E., b. 24 June, 1869; mar. in 1890, Minnie Tibbetts.
Issue:

1st. Inez.

7. Wealthy, b. 19 Aug., 187 1; ntar. in 1889, Horace Loomis.
Issue: 1st. Randle. 2nd. Armenia.

8. Emily M., b. 24 Mar., 1873; mar. in 1890, Irving Oaks.
Issue: 1st. Gertrude E.

9. Julia A., b. 3 July, 1875; mar. in 1895, Fred Lamb. Issue:

1st. Lewis.

10. Sylvester, b. 6 Mar., 1877.

11. Rue}^ T., b. 25 Maj', 1879; mar. in 1899, Fred Ellis.

12. Sanson, b. 22 Mar., 1881.

13. Gertrude A., b. 31 Jan., 1884.

14. Mandy V., b. 16 Sept., 1886.

FAMILY NO. 18.

From Family No. 8. Descent: Anthonj', Anthony, Zachariah,
Abraham, James, Joshua, Nathan C.

Nathan Cook Brackett was born in Phillips, Me., July 28, 1836;
entered Maine state seminar}^ at its opening in 1857; graduated
from Dartmouth college in 1864; in 1883, the degree of Ph. D. was
conferred upon him b}^ Bates college; in August, 1864, was ordained
to the ministry and sent by the U. S. Christian commission to the
army. In October, 1865, he was appointed, by the Free Baptist
Home Mission society, superintendent of a mission to the negroes.
In 1867, at the organization of Storer college, at Harper's Ferr}^,
W. Va., organized mainly through his efforts, he was made its prin-
cipal and treasurer; the latter office he still holds; resigned the
former after thirty 3'ears' service. The education of the negro along
the lines he is capable of making advancement, viz., industrial pur-
suits, has been Mr. Brackett's work, to which he has devoted the
efforts of soul and heart. Has been active in the business and politi-
cal affairs of the community; in 1870 and 1871, was county superin-

152 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

teiident of schools, and has served several terms as member of the ■
town council; is director of Bank of Harper's Ferry; also is presi- 1
dent of the board of regents of Bluefield institute, a state school for
colored pupils. Home is in Harper's Ferry. Married October i6,
1865, lyouise Wood, born June 10, 1842, daughter of James and wife,
Elizabeth Blackwell, of Lewiston, Me.; she graduated in i860, from
Maine state seminary, which became Bates college; was a teacher
in Storer college until 1891, when poor health compelled her to lay
aside all work for several years. Was one of the first to advocate
industrial training for the negroes; as early as 1865, gave lessons in
sewing to the girls, and continued to give instructions in sewing
when a teacher in Storer normal school. She and her husband have
devoted their lives to the uplifting of the colored race, and have
achieved a degree of success far greater than one would expect could
be attained. Issue:

1. James Wood, b. 30 June, 1867. See family 30.
, 2. Mary, b. 13 Nov., 1868; mar. 29 June, 1897, Thomas K.

Robertson, son of Thomas J. W., and wife, Jane Matilda ,

parents b. in England, is a patent attorney; residence, Chevy Chase,
Md. Issue:

1st. Thomas Brackett, b. 16 July, 1898.

2nd. Nathan Wood, b. 4 July, 1902.

3d. Louis Robertson, b. 10 June, 1905.

3. Celeste Elizabeth, b. 12 June, 1871; mar. 24 April, 1894, Rev.
Mr. John Curtain Newcomer; residence, Centreville, Michigan.
Issue:

1st. Mar}^ Eouise, b. 4 Aug., 1896.
2nd. Daniel Brackett, b. 18 Aug., 1898.
3d. Lionel Eastman, b. 4 Jan., 1903.

4. Ledru Joshua, b. 29 Mar., 1873. See family 31.

5. Virginia Edith, b. 22 May, 1878; d. 18 July, 1879.

FAMILY NO. 19.

From Family No. 9. Descent: Anthony, Anthou}', Zachariah,
Abraham, Abraham, Abraham D., Andrew T.

Andrew T. Brackett was born August 30, 1839, in Sidney, Me.;
married August 21, 1877, Annie Forsyth, born May 3, 1851; died
December 6, 1887, daughter of James and wife, Margarette Russell,
of the province of New Brunswick. Mr. Brackett is an engineer;
served for three months during the civil war, .stationed at fort
Warren. His residence is in Lawrence, Mass.; formerly resided in
Sidney, Me., and North Andover, Mass. Issue:

1. James L., b. 7 Aug., 1878; resides in Lawrence, Mass.

2. Wallace W., b. 7 June, 1881; resides in Lawrence, Mass.

3. Walter S., b. 3 Oct., 1883; resides in Sidney, Me.

4. Annie F., b. 5 Dec, 1887; resides in Lawrence, Mass.

FAMILY NO. 20.

From Family No. 9. Descent: Antho^3^ Anthony, Zachariah,
Abraham, Abraham, Abraham D., Benjamin F.

Benjamin Franklin Brackett was born January 10, 1841, in Sid-
ney, Me.; married December 9, 1873, Julia S. Tillson, born May 7,

ABRAHAM, OF FALMOUTH 153

1849, daughter of Anson B., and wife, Rhoda Sawtelle, of Sidney,
Me. Is a farmer in Sidne5^ Issue:
1. Anson B., b. 9 Mar., 1876.

FAMILY NO. 2L

From Family No. 13. Descent: Anthonj^ Anthony, Zachariah,
Abraham, Anthony, Abraham, Melvin A.

Melvin Abraham Brackett was born March 20, 1821; is deceased;
married Mary Webb of Boston. Children reside in Boston and are,
Melvin D.; Henry; Helen A.; Edward; Carrie.

FAMILY NO. 22.

From Family No. 14. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Abraham, Anthony, Anthony, Charles D.

Charles Lysander Brackett was born March 7, 1835, in Dedham,
Mass.; married May — , 1864, Frances Jane Smith, born April 16,
•I 841, in Bridgeport, Conn. He died May 20-, 1884, in Brooklyn.
Issue:

1. Robert Lambert, b. 10 Mar., 1865. See family 32.

2. Charles Joseph, b. 4 vSept., 1867.' See family 33.

FAMILY NO. 23.

From Family No. 14. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Abraham, Anthony, Anthony, Alonzo C.

Alonzo Clifford Brackett was born May 24, 1844; he married
(ist) Emma E. Lyon. No further record. Issue:

1. Alonzo Clifford.

2. Belle W.

FAMILY NO. 24.

From Family No. 15. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Abraham, Anthony, James S., Anthony.

Anthou}^ Brackett was born April 27, 1834, in Anson, Me.;
married (ist) September 26, 1854, Elizabeth A. Eawry, born No-
vember 26, 1836; died September 24, 1864, daughter of William and
wife, Elizabeth Thing; (2nd) October 6, 1866, Sylvia E. Young,
born March 2, 1844; died July 4, 1873; (3d) November 26, 1878,
Sophia E. Young, born September 30, 1857; died October 5, 1882,
daughter of Eevi and wife, Mercy Collins, of Stark, Me. Mr.
Brackett was a blacksmith; resided in Stark, Eewiston, and Anson,
Me. He died April i, 1905. Issue:

1. Charles A., b. 12 Feb., 1856. See family 34.

2. Eugene A., b. 7 Jan., i860; mar. 4 Nov., 1885, Sarah H.
Hubbard; is in California.

3. Susan A., b. 14 Feb., 1864; d. 20 Sept., 1864.

4. Herbert E., b. 15 Nov., 1871. See family 35.

154 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

FAMILY NO. 25.

From Family No. 15. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Abraham, Anthony, James S., Thomas D.

Thomas D. Brackett was born about 1836; married (ist) Abbie
Danforth, born about 1842, in Massachusetts; (2nd) Susan Bean.
The census of 1880 shows Thomas D. Brackett living in Stark, Me.;
occupation, a carpenter; he resides at Farmington, Me. Issue, as
shown by census of 1880:

1. Hattie E., b. about 1862.

2. O. R., b. about 1865; a son.

3. O. P., b. about 1868; a son.

4. E. C, b. about 1872; a son.

5. W. A., b. about 1878; a daughter.

FAMILY NO. 26.

From Family No. 15. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Abraham, Anthonj^, James S., James N.

James N. Brackett was born August 21, 1839, in Augusta, Me.;
married October 31, 1866, Earissa J. Whittier, born October 6, 1841,
daughter of John and wife, Eydia Mitchell, of Madison, Me. Was a
ranchman; he resided in the following places in the order named:
Augusta, Madison, and Stark, Me.; in Humboldt co., California;
Dayville, Canyon City, Rock Creek, and Mitchell, Oregon. He
'died August 21, 1887. Issue:

1. George E., b. 2 June, 1869; d. 19 July, 1883.

2. Annie V., b. 24 Feb., 1872; residence, Madison, Me.

3. Fannie S., b. 14 Apr., 1873; mar. 31 Oct., 1889, Allen C.
McEachern; residence, Mitchell, Wheeler co., Oregon. Issue:

1st. Charles, b. 5 Sept., 1890.

4. Gard W., b. 9 Oct., 1875; d. 8 Sept., 1877.

6. James N., b. 25 Nov., 1877; lives in Mitchell, Oregon.

6. John W., b. 16 Apr., 1880; lives in Mitchell, Oregon.

7. Ernest E., b. 10 Feb., 1883; lives in Madison, Me.

8. Eeon G., b. 17 Jan., 1886; lives in Madison, Me.

FAMILY NO. 27.

From Family No. 15. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Abraham, Anthony, James S., Franklin W.

Franklin W. Brackett was born April 27, 1843, in Madison, Me.;
married February 22, 1866, Flora Woodcock, born March 3, 1846,
daughter of Mark and wife, Emeline Oilman, of Stark, Me. Is a
farmer in Madison, Me.; has resided in Stark, Me., and in the state
of California. During the Aroostook boundary trouble he was major
in the militia. Issue:

1. Augusta, b. 27 Aug., 1867; mar. Frank Smith; residence,
West Mills, Me. Issue:

1st. Ellen.

2. Fred H., b. 15 Sept., 1872. See family 36.

3. E3'dia, b. 15 Feb., 1874; mar. Gard Wills; residence, Anson,
Me. Issue:

1st. Hazel.

ABRAHAM, OF FALMOUTH 155

4. Frances M., b. 25 Jan., 1871; mar. Harrison Daggett; resides
in Madison, Me. Issue: 1st. Clifford. 2nd. Ruby. 3d. Merton.

5. Em, b. 17 Sept., 1876; mar. Fred Smith; resides in West's
Mills, Me. Issue: 1st. Carol. 2nd. Flora.

6. lyou, b. 25 Mar., 1878; mar. Allan Copp; resides in Madison,
Me. Issue:

1st. Clyde.

7. Evie, b. I June, 1880; mar. Sherman Williams; resides in
Anson, Me. Issue:

1st. Elton.

8. Frank Iv., b. 3 Oct., 1881; mar. Sadie Spear; resides in Madi-
son, Me. Issue:

1st. Leon.

9. Agnes M., b. 3 June, 1884.

FAMILY NO. 28.

From Family No. 15. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Abraham, Anthony, James S., Samuel,.

Samuel Brackett was born September 10, 1849, in Stark, Me.;
married August 14, 1875, Tina Oilman, born October 6, 1856, daughter
of John and wife, Mary Ingalls, of An^on, Me. Mr. Brackett is an
electrician; resides in Anson, Me. Issue:

1. Eunice M., b. 2 Dec, 1876; mar. 12 Sept., 1900, Evan N.
Adams; resides in Anson, Me.

2. Elmer F., b. 11 Apr., 1881.

FAMILY NO. 29.

From Family No. 15. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Abraham, Anthony, James S., Orlando H.

Orlando H. Brackett was born in Stark, Me., on March 21, 1851;
married September 29, 1879, Kate S. Bryant, b. November 24, 1856,
daughter of James and wife, Belinda W. True, of Moultonboro, New
Hampshire. Is a farmer in Wests Mills, Me. Issue:

1. Grace E., b. 2 June, 1880.

2. Eeroy E., b. 20 Sept., 1897.

NINTH GENERATION.

FAMILY NO. 30.

From Family No. 18. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Abraham, James, Joshua, Nathan C, James W.

James Wood Brackett was born June 30, 1867; married August 7,
1889, Eucy Estelle Bean. He is editor and publisher of The Maine
Woods, an entertaining sportsman's paper. Resides in Phillips,
Me. Issue:

1. Miriam Edna, b, 11 Aug., 1890.

2. James Scott, b. 10 June, 1892.

156 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

«

FAMILY NO. 31.

From Famil}^ No. i8. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Abraham, James, Joshua, Nathan C, L. Joshua.

Ledru Joshua Brackett was born March 29, 1873, in Harper's
Ferr^^, West Virginia; married December 22, 1897, Anna Cordelia
Hicks, daughter of Truman Band and wife, Augusta Maria Beers, of
Cheyenne, Wyoming; a publisher; is connected with Current His-
tory and Modern Culture, a monthly publication of Boston. Issue:

1. Anthony Hicks, b. 18 Nov., 1898.

2. Nathan Cook, b. 16 Apr., 1900.

3. Truman, b. 4 Feb., 1906.

FAMILY NO. 32.

From Family No. 22. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Abraham, Anthony, Anthony, Charles L,., Robert ly.

Robert L. Brackett was born March 10, 1865, in Brooklyn, New
York; married June 4, 1891, Caroline Thomas White, born October 3,
1867, in New York citj^ daughter of Dr. William T. White. Died
in September, 1902; was a bank clerk; his avocation was genealogi-
cal research. Issue:

1. Anthony, b. 25 March, 1892, in Bensonhurst, N. Y.

2. Robert White, b. 17 Nov., 1893, in Bensonhurst, N. Y.

FAMILY NO. 33.

From Family No. 22. Descent: Anthony, Anthonj^ Zachariah,
Abraham, Anthony, Anthony, Charles h., Charles J.

Charles Joseph Brackett was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., Septem-
ber 4, 1867; is an attorney-at-law, in Helena, Montana; married (ist)
April I, 1867, Frances Allaire Smith, born April i, 1867, died Decem-
ber 18, 1899, daughter of Charles H. and wife, Frances A. Duncan,
of Brookljai; married (2nd) Bertha Anderson, born Maj^ 4, 1870,
daughter of Andrew and wife, Sophia Anderson, of Eau Claire, Wis.,
later of Helena. Issue:

1. Anna Sibj-l, b. in Helena, 19 Jan., 1892.

2. Frances Allaire, b. in Helena, 9 Aug., 1894.

3. Grace Tlielma, b. in Helena, 29 Oct., 1896.

FAMILY NO. 34.

From Family No. 24. Descent: Anthony, Anthon5% Zachariah,
Abraham, Anthony, James S., Anthony, Charles A.

Charles A. Brackett was born February 12, 1856; married
September 9, 1880, lyizzie J. Piper; resides in Anson, Me. Issue:

1. Susan A., b. 7 Dec, 1882.

2. Viola M., b. 17 Mar., 1884.

3. Mabel F., b. 21 Sept., 1885.

4. Eugene A., b. 13 Oct., 1886.

5. George E., b. 16 Jul}^ 1890.

6. Gladj^s A., b. 30 Sept., 1893.

7. Eizzie J., b. 3 Mar., 1898.

8. Carl v., b. 26 Jan., 1900.

ABRAHAM, OF FALMOUTH 157

FAMILY NO. 35.

From Family No. 24. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Abraham, Anthony, James S., Anthony, Herbert h.

Herbert h- Brackett was born November 15, 1871; married
December 21, 1889, Josie L. Piper; he died March 27, 1896. Issue:

1. Burton H., b. 29 May, 1891.

2. Irene, b. 2 Oct., 1895,

FAMILY NO. 36.

From Family No. 27. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Abraham, Anthony, James S., Franklin W., Fred H.

Fred H. Brackett was born September 15, 1872, in Stark, Me.;
married March 10, 1893, Delia Greenleaf, born December 7, 1871,
died May 20, 1898, daughter of Wakefield and wife, Ellen Chapman,
of Stark, Me. Is a farmer in Stark, Me. Issue:

1. Harold, b. 25 Aug., 1894.

2. Maud, b. 24 Apr., 1896,

158 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

DIVISION NO. 4.

ANTHONY BRACKETT. JR., OF STROUDWATER
PARISH AND HIS DESCENDANTS.

FIFTH GENERATION.

FAMILY NO. 1.

From Chapter 6. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah, An-
thony, Jr.

Anthony Brackett, Jr., was born August 25, 1712, in Hampton,
N. H. In the records of the First church in Hampton, is recorded his
baptism on August 2, 17 19. In about the seventh year of his age his
father with his family, removed to Falmouth and settled on the farm
bordering on Back cove. This farm had been the residence of Cap-
tain Anthony Brackett, the grandfather of Anthony, Jr., and on it the
latter spent his boyhood da^-s. He was too young to have sensed in
Eovewell's war but he serv^ed during the Indian war of 1744-8, though
it is not known of what military company he was a member. During
the last Indian war in Maine, which commenced in 1756, he served in
Captain Samuel Skilling's Stroudwater company; his name appears
in a list of its members bearing date August 11, 1757.

He settled in the Stroudwater parish at an early date, several
years before his first marriage.

It was the misfortune of mau}^ of the Bracketts of old Falmouth
to be pestered through life with lawsuits, seemingly without a termi-
nation. If one did not inherit trouble of the kind, it was his fate to
become involved in vexatious disputes about title to land through
purchase. When about the age of twenty-four years, Anthony, Jr.,
bought forty-six acres of land located on the northerly side of Congress
street, Portland, its westerly line being about where is Stevens Plains
avenue. On this property he built a two-story house, end to the
highway, in the midst of the forest and near a brook and spring; it
was located on the easterly side of Stevens Plains avenue, Bradley's
corner district. He purchased the land of Colonel Thomas West-
brook who, in 1734, bought one hundred acres, including the tract,
from Benjamin Ingalls of North Yarmouth. The title to this land in
Ingalls commenced with the Indian grant of July 27, 1657, to Francis
Small. However, as early as 1680, directly after the resettlement of
Falmouth following its abandonment during the Indian war from
1675 to 1678, the proprietary colony of Massachusetts Ba^^ through
its commissioners, appropriated and assumed to grant land, in some
instances regardless of the claims of persons thereto whose title would
have been indisputable in a court of law. When Falmouth was reset-
tled in 1 7 15, after the second flight, a period of over twenty-five years
had elapsed, of Indian occupation. The assumption on the part of
the proprietary colony to grant lands, though rightfully claimed by
persons under title of prior grants to them or to others from whom

ANTHONY, JR., OF STROUDWATER 159

they derived title, was again exercised, though generally confined to
lands where title was derived from the Indians.

The greater part of the forty-six acres purchased by Anthony
was a tract, which was claimed by the town as public lands. It had
been the subject of a dispute between George Cleeve and Francis
Small, the one claiming under a grant by Rigby, it is believed by the
writer, and the other under an Indian deed; the court sustained the
Indian title, and thus there was of record a title to the land in Small
and his grantees. Anthony, Jr.'s fate it was to run his neck into a
noose of the proprietor, by his purchase of said forty-six acres, and
in it he struggled for nearly the remainder of his life. On November
25, 1728, the proprietors of the "common and undivided lands of Fal-
mouth" granted forty acres "for the ministerial (parish) lots" to the
town; this grant included about twenty-five and one-half acres of the
land purchased by Anthony. It will serve our purpose to only men-
tion the legal proceedings to which Anthony was a party, involving
parts of his purchase of forty-six acres, and the result of each, respec-
tively. In 1764, a writ of ejectment was brought by Jeremiah Riggs
again.st Anthony, and a recovery of one and on^-half acres was made
by him. In 1769, Anthony was indicted by the town of Falmouth for
fencing a strip of the forty-six acres "in the road," and was fined six
shillings; on his appeal for a jury trial, the verdict was sustained. The
parish brought suit to recover twenty-five and one-half acres, the
Rev. Mr. Samuel Dean and the Rev. Mr. Thomas Smith appearing
for the parish. Anthou}-, Jr., had no Patrick Henry to plead his
cause so, in this instance, the clergy won. However, the same Rev.
Mr. Thomas Smith, a few years earlier in his career, had a legal tilt
with another AnthoTiy Brackett, of Boston, in which the jury forgot
about considering the cloth, — not being specialh^ interested in the
result of the suit, which involved the title to Peak's Island. Later
Anthony, Jr., was sued in trespass by the same party for entering on
the land between July, 1769, and March 21, 1770, and cutting twenty
cords of maple, birch, and oak wood, value sixty pounds. The
parish was successful in the lower court and Anthon)^ Jr., entered an
appeal from the judgment, with what result has not been learned.
Fifteen years after the death of Anthony, Jr., his three sons deeded
their undivided four-fifths of the nine and one-half acres which
remained to their father, for seventy-six pounds consideration, and on
December 25, 1795, seven years later, their sister, Abigail, spinster,
deeded the remaining one-fifth. These sons, two of whom were vet-
eran soldiers, located in Westbrook.

Little do we know of the characteristics of Anthony, Jr., in addi-
tion to those disclosed by the record of his acts. It is safe to venture
that determination of purpose was one. He was gifted with broad
and liberal views as to sense of duty imposed by one's relation in a
professional capacitj^ though the performance of the duty was at his
expense. His suits with the parish deprived him of the earnings of
his lifetime, yet he was not alienated from his pastor, whose duty it
was to commence actions at law against him. Under date of Decem-
ber 9, 1774, Rev. Mr. Dean recorded in his journal, "I prayed with
Anthony Brackett at Joshua Brackett' s." So, he died at the home
of his father-in-law on December 9, 1774. He was of deep religious
conviction, which found expression by word and deed. In 1760, he

160 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

was one of several who proposed to a committee of the First parish, to
enlarge the church building on condition that they be allowed the
pews added b}^ the alteration. The parish tax he paid, which was in
excess of twenty shillings, shows that his house was a building of two
stories. He married October 17, 1751, Abigail Chapman; she was
several years younger than her husband but did not survive him; died
in December, 1762, when her youngest son. Captain John Brackett,
was in the second year of his age; was daughter of Edward. He was
born in Kittery, Me., April 14, 1725, removed to near Saco Falls in
Biddeford where he purchased a farm; here died his wife Mrs. Abi-
gail Broughton, of Portsmouth, whom he married October 20, 1725;
he again married, and on August 19, 1746, removed to Falmouth and
dwelt near where the Union depot now stands; later he went on a
farm near the Buxton road, two miles westerly of Stroudwater. B}^
his will, made in the j^ear 1751, he bequeathed to his daughter, Abi-
gail, wife of Anthony Brackett; was son of Nathaniel. He married
when about the age of forty years, in Ipswich, Mass., December
30, 1674, Mary Wilborn; several children were born in Ipswich, when
he removed to Kittery; was son of Edward. He was in Ipswich in
1643, and died there April 18, 1678. Anthony married August 29,
1764, Abigail Brackett, daughter of Joshua (Joshua, Thomas, An-
thony) who at the time was the widow of Job Lunt; she survived her
second husband over thirty years and remained his widow; died Feb-
ruary I, 1805; her grave is in the Eastern cemetery in Portland.
Issue:

1. Jeremiah, b. 6 Feb., 1754. See family 2.

2. Daniel, b. 27 Apr., 1728; never mar.; was living in 1815.

3. John, b. II Apr., 1761. See family 3.

4. Abigail, b. — Feb., 1766; mar. in 1797, Daniel Green of Port-
land; d. 12 Jan., 1835. Issue:

1st. Sarah, b. 28 July, 1799.

2nd. A child, b. 3 Jan., 1802.

3d. Abigail Brackett, b. 12 Oct., 1809.

SIXTH GENERATION.

FAMILY NO. 2.

From Family No. i. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., Jeremiah.

Jeremiah Brackett was born in Falmouth, Me., February 6, 1754:
was baptized in 1755, at the First church. He was reared on his
father's farm, the subject of so many legal battles. In the twenty-
second year of his age he was married. May 17, 1775, to Sarah Good-
ing. He probably dwelt in Falmouth until the close of the War of
the Revolution, as he enlisted from that town. In 1791, he resided on
his farm in North Yarmouth in that part which, in 1825, was included
in the present town of Cumberland. The censuses of 1790, 1800,
1 8 10, and 1820 show that he was a resident of North Yarmouth.
His name is not found in the census of 1830; he probably died before
that year. All of his family, five sons and three daughters, with the
exception of the eldest son, continued to make their home with him

ANTHONY, OF STROUDWATER

161

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162 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

until his death. None of his daughters were married, and one of his
sons remained single. This son, John, and the daughter, Mary or
Moll^^ continued to live in Cumberland on the farm of Jeremiah until
their decease. The farm is in the center of the northerly part of
Cumberland, not far from the town line. The grave of Jeremiah and
that of his wife are in the Methodist churchyard of that region.

Jeremiah Brackett served as a private in Captan John Brackett's
company. Colonel Edmund Phinney's regiment; name on billeting rolls
from date of enhstment. May 12, 1775, to July 5, 1775. date of march-
ing to headquarters; marched from Falmouth; received order dated
October 24, 1775, at fort No. 2, Cambridge, for bounty coat or its
equivalent in money; name appears on company returns, dated Sep-
tember 29, 1775; probable tetm of service, nearly six months. Sen-ed
as a private in Captain Tobias Lord's compan}-; enlisted April i,
1776, discharged November 25, 1776, seven months and twenty-five
days, stationed at Falmouth. Ser^^ed in Captain Jesse Partridge's
compan3% Colonel Greaton's regiment; enlisted April i, 1778, dis-
charged November 30, 1778, eight months at North river with Fal-
mouth volunteers. Served in Captain Peter Warren's company,
Colonel Jonathan Mitchel's regiment; detached July 7, 1779, dis-
charged September 25, 1779, two months and eighteen da3'S, marched
on expedition against Penobscot. Also served as corporal in Cap-
tain Joseph Pride's compan^^ joined October i, 1779, discharged
October 23, 1779, at Eastward, detachment from Cumberland count)'-
militia under command of Nathaniel Jordan, Esq. Issue:

1. Reuben, b. 28 Sept., 1779. See family 4.

2. John, b. 14 June, 1781; never married; d. 11 Aug., 1863.

3. Abigail, b. 13 Oct., 1782; never married.

4. William, b. 22 Feb., 1785. See family 5.

5. Anna, b. twin with William.

6. Molly, b. 26 Aug., 1790; never married; d. 22 Mar., 1874.

7. Anthony, b. 9 Dec, 1796. See family 6.

8. Nathaniel, b. 30 June, 1798. See family 7.

9. Susan, b. 10 Apr., 1802; never married.

FAMILY NO. 3.

From Family No. i. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., John.

Captain John Brackett, the youngest son of Anthony-, Jr., and
wife, Abigail Chapman, was born in Falmouth, Me., April 11, 1761.
He was thirteen years old when his father died, and had but shorth^
completed his fourteenth year when the battle of Lexington was
fought. With his brother in the army, this orphan boy did not allow
an opportunity to pass which would place him in the ranks where so
many of his kindred were nobly doing their dutj', without availing him-
self of it. When he arrived at military age, he at once enlisted. It was
not alone the need of aid on the part of the united colonies to which
he responded; the contest had been practically won by them when he
enlisted; it was patriotic ferv^or which prompted him to proffer his
services to retain what had been gained. He enlisted in Captain
Daniel Lunt's company. Colonel Benjamin Tupper's regiment, of the
Continental Regulars, the Tenth Massachusetts of the Line, Jan-

ANTHONY, JR., OF STROUDWATER 163

iiary i, 1781, was transferred to Capt. William's company, Col.
Joseph Vose's regiment, and was discharged at West Point, December
25, 1783. He was in the field when the "last armed foe" had left our
shores.

In 1787, he and his brothers sold their shares of the portion of
their father's farm which they inherited, and subsequently he pur-
chased another farm in that town. He continued to reside in Fal-
mouth until 181 1, when he traded his farm to John Lowell for another
in the town of Harrison, Me., where he resided the remainder of his
da_vs. At the time of the trade the value of the farm in Harrison was
stated to be $2,500, and it contained nearly- twice as many acres as
did the farm in Falmouth.

In a letter under date of February 28, 1888, Rev. Mr. Silas
Brackett, now deceased, then residing in Chicago, 111., who was a
grandson of John Brackett, stated—

"The last time I saw the house from which my grandparents
removed to the town of Harrison, it was then in good repair; it stood
in the present town of Westbrook and in it all of their children were
born. When they lived there the farm was in Falmouth. Imme-
diately after the Revolutionary war, John Brackett was commis-
sioned captain of a company of militia and ever after was called Cap-
tain Brackett."

The Rev. Mr. Silas Brackett wrote further concerning his grand-
father—

"He died shouting 'victory over, death;' that through Christ
Jesus he was a conquerer, and saying, 'Yes, I shall see him; then I
will not be lame and grav; I will be voung as when a worldly soldier
boy.'"

John Brackett was a pensioner. In his statement made in 1820,
in his claim for pension, art set forth particulars of interest to his
descendants. Here is found a fair description of his farm in Harrison.
He set forth that he owned one hundred acres, cold, wet and not
good for agricultural purposes, small house and barn on same; five
cows, four steers, four yearlings, fourteen sheep, one horse, two pigs
and some farming tools; that he was unable to pursue his occupation
because of disability from a verj- lame and broken leg; that his wife
was fifty-five years old, was very feeble, and had been for twenty
years; that with him resided his daughter Elizabeth, aged twenty-
one years, lame and feeble; his son John, aged fifteen years, who was
able to work; and his son Chapman, aged twelve years, who was able to
work ver}' little. When he made this application for pension, he was
fifty-nine years old. He wrote at that age a very fair, legible hand.
The claim was made under the act of 181 8, whose benefits were limited
to soldiers or their widows who had but little of this world's goods;
hence, the statement in the claim as to his possessions and as to the
number dependent upon him. The claim was rejected upon the
ground, in effect that he was not so poor as to have title to pension
under the act. In later years, he filed an application for pension
under the more liberal act of 1831, under whose provisions he was
allowed pension. It was paid to him in Portland where he went to
receive it. He lived about thirty-seven miles from the city and could
not make the journey in less than two days; while making it he
would spend the night in Portland at the home of his half-sister,
Abigail, who married Daniel Green, and whom he called Nabby.

164 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

The censuses of 1790, 1800, and 1810 show John Brackett a resi-
dent of Falmouth; the census of 1820 places him in Harrison. His
name does not appear in the censuses of 1830 and 1840, as he probably-
lived with his son, Walker Brackett, from prior to 1830, and was
enumerated as a member of his family. In censuses before 1850, the
name of only one person of all residing in a house is given — that of the
owner of the house or the head of the family. He died February 22,
1844, in Harrison. Married Mary Walker; she was born August 11,
1765, died September 18, 1843, was a daughter of George Walker
who resided between Pride's bridge and Duck pond in Westbrook.
Issue:

1. George, b. 26 Sept., 1787; d. unmar. 21 Oct., 1814.

2. William, b. 25 Aug., 1789. See famiU^ 8.

3. Abigail, b-. 12 Sept., 1791; mar. Alex. Lowell. Shed. 18 Jan.,
1816.

4. Enoch, b. 27 Jul3^ 1793. See family 9. M

5. Walker, b. 7 Apr., 1796. See family 10.

6. Elizabeth, b. 2 Dec, 1799; mar. 27 Jan., 1824, John P. Eowell
of Harrison, Me. She died in 1885.

7. John, Jr., b. 2 June, 1804; See family 11.

8. Chapman, b. 21 Aug., 1808. See family 12.

SEVENTH GENERATION.

FAMILY NO. 4.

From Family No. 2. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., Jeremiah, Reuben.

Reuben Brackett was born September 28, 1779, in that part of
the present town of Cumberland, Me., which to 1825 was a part of the
town of North Yarmouth, and there passed his boyhood. About the
time of his marriage he removed to Westbrook, Me., was living there
as early as 18 10 and there dwelt the remainder of his life. He mar-
ried Elizabeth Morrill, and came into possession of her father's farm
in Westbrook on which he resided; the farm is on the road from Sac-
carappa to Piscataqua near the Falmouth town line, not far from the
Presumpscot river. The house was burned during recent years; it
stood at the easterly end of the barn; at the time it was burned the
farm was owned by Mr. Eionel O. Brackett who built a house at the
easterly end of the barn. The censuses from 1810 to 1840 inclusive
show Reuben Brackett a resident of Westbrook, in which town he died
June 21, 1848. His wife died June 2, i860, in the seventy-ninth year
of her age, was a daughter of Thomas Morrill and wife, Margaret
Huston, of Westbrook. Issue, all born in Westbrook:

1. Alma Maria, b. 23 Sept., 1805; mar. in April, 1833, Joi\as
Jordan, son of Samuel and wife, Rachel Humphre}-, of Raymond,
Me. He was b. 11 Nov., 1804, and d. in Jul^^ 1875; business was
lumbering and farming; lived in Poland. She d. in Apr., 1879, in
the 74th year of her age. Issue:

1st. Samuel, b. 23 Feb., 1836; d. 23 Aug., 1865; a graduate of
Bowdoin college, class of 1861; assistant payma.ster in the United
States Navv at the time of his death.

ANTHONY, JR., OF STROUDWATER 165

2nd. Reuben B., b. 20 Mar., 1837, mar. in 1869, Fannie Hig-
gins; d. 24 Feb., 1899. Was a physician. Issue:

I. Susie May.

II. Reuben Morrill.

3d. Eliza B., b. 19 Dec, 1838; d. 9 May, 1849.

4th. Sarah W., b. 3 Dec, 1840; mar. 3 Dec, 1868, John McLel-
lan who served as a captain in the civil war, 186 1-5. He was
b. 2 June, 1839, a son of William and wife, Margaret Davis, of Ray-
mond, Me.; his business, corn packing; residence. South Windham,
Me. Their adopted children:

I. Ivizzie R., b. 7 Mar., 1870; mar. C. O. lyibby and resides
in Boston,

II. William J., b. 9 Feb., 1872; resides in Boston.

III. Margaret W., b. 14 Apr., 1875; mar.. R. S. Williams
and resides in Philadelphia.

5th. Margaret M., b. 9 Nov., 1842; mar. in 1870, Charles
Sawyer, and resides in Auburn, Me. Issue:
I. Alma Sawyer.

6th. "Susan M., b. .5 Aug., 1844; mar. in 1887, J. J. Grant.
She is a graduate of Salem Normal school and for 15 years taught
school in New York city. RcvSidence, East Steuben, Me.

2. William P., b. 27 Feb., 1808. See family 13.

3. Jeremiah C, b. 10 Sept., 1809. See familj^ 14.

4. Jacob Morrill, b. ; he died young.

5. Stephen M., b. 3 Dec, 1812. See famil)^ 15.

6. Margaret Elizabeth, b. 28 Dec, 1816; mar. Jeremiah Webber,
son of Joseph and wife, Paulina Blaisdell, of Sidney, Me.; he was b,
25 Jan., 1809, and d. 22 Feb., 1893. ' She d. 28 July, 1861. Issue:

1st. Jacob B., b. 23 Aug., 1836; d. 9 Sept., 1863.
. 2nd. Asa W., b. 2 Sept., 1838; d. 8 May, 1864.

3d. Margaret E., b. 11 Aug., 1845; mar. 5 Mar., 1868, Perez
Gray Drinkwater, a son of Rotheus and wife, Eucy Eane, of Yar-
mouth, Me.; he was b. 15 July, 1842, and d. 13 Feb., 1888; he was a
mariner. Mrs. Drinkwater resides in Boston. Issue:

I. Alice H., b. 8 June, 1869; mar. 5 Apr., 1893, W. A.
Merow; residence. East Eexington, Mass.

II. Francis N., b. 13 Nov., 1872; d. 11 Dec, 1894.

III. Rotheus G., h.\i Feb., 1875.

IV. Harry W., b. 16 Apr., 1881.

4th. Reuben B., b. 20 Sept., 1850; resides in Rockland, Me.

5th. Jerry, b. 12 May, 1852; resides in Seabright, N. J.

6th. Alice B., b. id Dec, 1854; mar. William A. Winslow;
they reside in East North Yarmouth, Me.

7th. Ezra T., b. 29 May, 1858; mar. 8 Oct., 1881, Mary M.
Clark, dau. of Emory D., and wife, Emma F. Gray, of North Vas-
salboro. Me.; she was b. 11 Dec, 1864. He wasb. in Freeport, Me.,
and has lived in North Vassalboro, Me.; Providence, R. I.; Haver-
hill, Mass.; Bath, Me.; now resides in North Vassalboro and is a
machinist. Issue:

I. Ezra Gray, b. 7 Apr., 1888.

II. George Hawes, b. 21 Sept., 1897.

The data as to family of Margaret E. Webber, was supplied by
Mrs. Drinkwater.

166 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

7. Sarah J., b. in 1818; mar. Ezra Thombs of Gorham, Me. She
is dec. Issue:

1st. Samuel B., a physician in Portland, Me.
2nd. Uewelh-n T., of Gorham. Me.

8. Samuel M., b. 2 Mar., 1820. See family 16.

9. Reuben G., b. twin with Samuel M.; mar. in Westbrook, Me.,
24 Mar., 1842, Ar\nlla Leighton; no further record.

10. Esther Plummer, b. 1821; lived with her brother Jeremiah,
and never married. Shed. 2 June, 1885.

11. Mary A., b. , 1823; lived with her brother Jeremiah, and

never married; d. 2 Oct., 1884.

12. Lionel O., b. 24 Dec, 1827; resided on his father's farm in
Westbrook, Me., until his death which occurred 19 Jan., 1902. Dur-
ing the last 3^ears of his life he was afflicted with paralysis. He mar-
ried 16 Jan., 1870, Adrianna F. Sherman, dau. of Joseph and wife,
Julia Q. Hutchings. She was born 15 Jan., 1848. Issue:

1st. Grace Leona, b. 22 Feb., 1872.

FAMILY NO. 5.

From Famih^ No. 2. Descent: Anthony, Anthon}-, Zachariah,
Anthon}% Jr., Jeremiah, William.

William Brackett was born February 22, 1785, in that part of
North Yarmouth now a part of the town of Cumberland; removed to
Harrison, Me., prior to 1830, on a farm where he lived continuously
until his death in September, 1856; married in August, 1825, Hannah
Morse, born in August, 1784, died in July. 1879, daughter of Joseph
Morse of Harrison.. Issue:

1. Jeremiah, b. ig Mar., 1826; is a farmer in Harrison; mar. i
June, 1861, Evic}' Oliver, who d. 9 Aug., 1863, dau. of William and
wife, Martha Keene, of Oxford, Me. No issue.

FAMILY NO. 6.

From Family No. 2. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthon^^ Jr., Jeremiah, Anthony.

Anthon)- Brackett was born December 9. 1796, in that part of the
town of North Yarmouth which, in 1825, was incorporated within the
limits of the present town of Cumberland. He continued to reside
there until about the time of his marriage when he removed to
Sebago Eake on a farm, where he lived until his death Febrviary 20,
1877; married November 24, 1824, Eunice Estes, born September 5,
1793, died March 4, 1878, daughter of Robert and wife, Dorcas Ches-
ley. Issue:

1. Daniel G., b. 9 Feb., 1826. See family 17.

2. Albert, b. 9 May. 1829; d. unmar. 28 Oct., 1854.

3. Abigail, b. 14 Jan., 1833; d. 2 Oct., 1834.

FAMILY NO. 7.

From Family No. 2. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., Jeremiah, Nathaniel.

Nathaniel Brackett was born June 30, 1798, in that part of North
Yarmouth which, in 1825, was incorporated within the limits of the

ANTHONY, JR., OF STROUDWATER 167

present town of Cumberland, Me., where he continued to reside with
his father until his marriage. From there he went to Sebago Lake
where he lived for the remainder of his days engaged in farming.
He, like his four brothers, was born, raised, lived and died in Cum-
berland county, as did their ancestors for over a hundred years prior
to their day. He married Maria Mabry of Windham, daughter of
Thomas and wife, Catharine Goodwin, iDorn in May, 1804, and died
July 17, 1862. He died August 31, 1863, in the sixty-sixth yearof
his age. Issue:

1. Elbridge, b. 26 Mar., 1824; never mar.; d. in 1901.

2. John, b. 30 Dec, 1825. See family 18.

3. Catherine, b. 26 Oct., 1827; never mar.; she d. 20 Apr., 1863.

4. Lendal S., b. 20 Aug., 1831. See family 19.

6. Sarah J., b. 30 May, 1836; never mar.; d. 3 Feb., 1904.
6. Charles, b. 11 Feb., 1838. See family 20.

FAMILY NO. 8.

From Family No. 3. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthonj^ Jr., Captain John, William.

William Brackett was born August 25, 1789, in Westbrook, Me.,
then a part of the town of Falmouth. With his father he went to the
town of Harrison, Me., where he resided for many years. The
several censuses from 1820 to i860, inclusive, show him continuously
a resident of that town, and engaged in farming and shoe making.
He married October i. iSii, Sarah Hobbs, a daughter of Jonathan
Hobbs; she was born July 6, 1792, and died July 31, 1856. After
his wife's death, William Brackett returned to Westbrook and resided
with his daughter, Lucretia, the wife of Moses Cobb. He served in
the war of 181 2 for a short time. His death occurred February 7,
1865. Issue:

1. Daniel H., b. 3 June, 1813. See family 21.

2. Mary, b. 5 July, 18 14; mar. James Fogg; they lived in Gor-
ham. Me.; shed. 28 Mar., 1878. Issue:

1st. Francena.

2nd. Bertha. All are dead.

3. Sibyl S., b. 23 July, 1816; mar. George Parsons; they lived
in Harrison; she d. 7 Sept., 1868. •

4. George W., b. 6 May, 1818. See family 22.

5. Louis P., b. 26 Nov., 1819; mar. William Perley of Harrison;
she d. 10 Nov., 1897. Issue:

1st. George, b. in Sept., 1844; resides in Blaine, Washington.
2nd. Charles, b. in 1846; resides in Blaine, Washington.

6. Jonathan Hobbs, b. 19 Feb., 1821; resides in Ea.st North Yar-
mouth, Me., and has resided in Harrison, Norway, and Yarmouth,
Me.; is a farmer and mechanic; mar. 14 Sept., 1843, Elizabeth Ann
Bennett, b. 7 Apr., 1822; d. 9 Apr., 1884; she was a dau. of William
and wife, Hannah Day, of Freeport, Me. No children.

7. Sarah, b. 14 Apr., 1822; mar. Artemas Mason, of West Bethel,
Me.; she d. in 1895. Issue:

1st. Delia, mar. Charles C. Merrill.

2nd. Cora, mar. Bean; resides in South Paris, Me.

3d. Oscar, resides in Bethel, Me.

168 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

8. Ann M., b. 26 Sept., 1823, in Harrison, Me.; d. 26 Sept.,
1904; mar. 10 Apr., 1853, Woodsom Mason, b. 20 Dec, 1818, d. 14
Mar., 1897, son of Silvanus and wife, Lydia Scribner; was a farmer;
mar. in Bethel, where they lived until 187-; removed to Westbrook,
and in 1887 to Pomona, Cal., where both are buried. Issue:

1st. Sadie, b. 19 Nov., 1855; mar. 30 July, 1881, Dr. Frank B.
Tuell; resides in Bethel. Issue:

I. Ella Mildred, b. 11 Sept., 1883.

II. Gilbert Woodsum, b. 9 Aug., 1884.

III. Charles, b. 27 Oct., 1893.

2nd. Annie, b. 5 June, 1857; mar. 4 June, 1881, Charles S.
Johnson; home, in Pomona, Cal.

3d. Winnefred, b. 22 Sept., 1858; mar. 30 July, 1881, William
H. Thomas; home, in Providence, R. I. Issue:
I. George Thomas, b. 20 Dec, 1883.

4th. Herbert, b. 3 Oct., 1859; d. in infancy.

5th. Freddy, b. 6 Feb., 1861; d. in infancy.

6th. Charles, b. 29 Mar., 1865; mar. 24 Nov., 1898, Alma
Weber; home, in Los Angeles, Cal. Issue:

I. Curtis Woodsum, b. 10 Aug., 1899.

II. George Malcolm, b. 22 July, 1901.

III. Donald Robert, b. 22 Jul)^, 1903.

IV. Bessie Ellen, b. 5 Jan., 1906.

7th. Bessie, b. 13 Nov., 1870; home, in Pomona, Cal.

9. Eucretia, b. 7 Apr., 1826; mar. Moses Knight Cobb of West-
brook, Me.; he has lived in Westbrook on a farm for 50 years; was
b. 10 Aug., 1822, son of James and wife, Dorcas Knight. She d.
16 Apr., 1882. Issue:

1st. William Brackett, of Cleveland, Ohio, b. 29 Mar., 1859, in
Westbrook, Me.; has resided in Boston, and Providence, R. I.; is
proprietor of a machine shop at Nos. 51 and 53 Vermont St., Cleve-
land; mar. 12 Mar., 1890, Annie Denius, b. 6 Oct., 1867, dau. of
William H. and wife, Thurza Webber, of Devonshire, Eng. Issue:
I. Eugene Webber Cobb, b. 7 Feb., 1891.

2nd. George Moses, b. 11 May, i860; mar. Jennie Little;
resides in Westbrook, Me. Issue:

I. George.

II. Mildred. ,

3d. Leander Barker, b. 2 Feb., 1863; mar. Julia S. Little.
Business address, 380 Atlantic Ave., Boston; resides in Melrose
Highlands.

10. Ellen D., b. 20 Feb., 1830; mar. Leander Barker of West-
brook, who for over 20 years was town clerk; she d. 16 Sept., 1891.
No issue.

11. C. Emeline, b. 22 Dec, 1833; mar. Samuel Dunn of Bethel.
During her later years she resided in Washington, D. C; she d.
26 Oct., 1899. No issue.

FAMILY NO. 9.
From Family No. 3. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthony, Captain John, Enoch.
Enoch Brackett lived from an early date in his life until his
death, in Harrison, Me. He was a farmer and accumulated a large

ANTHONY, JR., OF STROUDWATER 169

propert)'; his farm was near Bolster's mill at a place known as
Brackett's corner. He was somewhat eccentric in habits; a good
business manager; could reckon interest bj^ a method of counting his
fingers, as quickly as most persons can by the common process,
although he was a poor hand at reading and other elementary
branches. Was born July 27, 1793, in Westbrook, then a part of
Falmouth. Married September 21, 1818, Armintha Caswell, of Har-
rison; died October 16, 1871. Issue:

1. Eliza, b. 27 Dec, 1819; is dec; mar. Amos Small.

2. Edna; is dec; mar. David Sawyer.

3. Joseph L., b. i Nov., 1821. See family 23.

4. Fannie L., b. 28 Jan., 1823; mar. David Sawyer of West-
brook, b. 24 Nov., 1816; lived in Westbrook. Issue: 1st. David E.,
b. 21 Nov., 1841. 2nd. George E. 3d. Elizabeth. 4th. Sarah D.
6th. Mary D. 6th. Millard. 7th. John R., who lives on the farm
which was his father's. 8th. Angelia, b. 16 Jan., 1863.

5. Eev^is G., b. in Nov., 1833. See family 24..

FAMILY NO. 10.

From Family No. 3. Descent: Anthon}-, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthon5^ Jr., Captain John, Walker.

Walker Brackett was born April 7, 1796, in that part of West-
brook formerly a part of Falmouth, Me. He moved with his father,
in 181 1, to Harrison, Me., and lived on his father's farm in that town.
In 1850, he was a farmer, a resident of Mason, then in Oxford
county, Me. He married Calesta Wight, born October 26, 1794,
died February 19, 1875, daughter of Joseph, son of Jonathan, son of
Jonathan, son of Henry, son of Thomas Wight, the immigrant; her
mother's maiden name was Olive Mann of Otisfield (see Wight
Genealogy). Walker Brackett died October 16, 1871. Issue, all
born in Maine:

1. Silas B., b. II Nov., 1818. See family 25.

2. Polly Walker, b. 15 Aug., 1820; mar. 23 May, 1844, Seth
Pike, of Norway; she d. in June, 1895.

3. Nancy Caldwell, b. 19 Nov., 1822; mar. 7 Nov., 1844, Alfred
Noyes.

4. Walker, Jr., b. 24 Nov., 1824. See family 26.

5. Roxy Ann, b. 27 Feb., 1827; d. 30 June, 1842.

6. Harriet Wight, b. 11 June, 1829; mar. 8 Nov., 1849, Tristam
Noyes of Harrison,

7. Elbridge O., b. 4 Oct., 1830. See family 27.

8. Betsey Walker, b. 20 May, 1833; mar. O'Niel R. Mills of
Bethel.

9. Charles Henry, b. 24 Feb., 1836. See family 28.

10. Sophrona Spurr, b. 23 May, 1840; mar. (ist) Robert S.
Eamb; (2nd) George Shad of Norway, Me.

FAMILY NO. IL

From Family No. 3. Descent: Anthony, Anthon}', Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., Captain John, John, Jr.

John Brackett, Jr., was born June 2, 1804, in that part of Fal-
mouth now part of Westbrook, Me. When he was seven years of

170 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

age his father moved to Harrison, Me., where he lived, at Caswell's
corners, the remainder of his life. He married (ist) January 13, 1828,
Martha Ann lyowell. born March 3, i8og, died June 29, 1841; she
w^as a daughter of Edward and wife, Martha Lamb, of Harrison, Me.
Married (2nd) April 25, 1842, Rebecca L. Sanborn, born November
23, 1825, died January 18, 1854, daughter of Stephen, of Standish,
and wife. Sally Longley; (3d) February 12, 1856, Mary Maria
Stevens, born May 22, 1829; is living; daughter of John and wife,
lyydia Hustin, of Windham, Me. Mr. Brackett's business was farm-
ing. He died August 4, 1885. Children, b}' wife Martha Ann
Lowell:

1. Amos, b. 15 Dec, 1838. See family 29.
By wife Rebecca L. Sanborn:

2. Martha Ann, b. 26 Mar., 1843; d. 6 Oct., 1848.

3. Horace Nelson, b. i Aug., 1844. See family 30.

4. William Merrill, b. 24 Aug., 1846; mar. Hattie Wardell, dau.- 1
of Amos and wife, Julia; she was b. in 1848. Mr. Brackett is a
retailer and resides in Oxford, Me. No issue.

5. Llewellyn Kendall, b. 21 June, 1847. See family 31.

6. George Waterhouse, b. 14 Aug., 1848; d. 12 Sept., 1848.
B}^ wife Mary M. Stevens:

7. Arolin Emma, b. 30 June, 1859, in Harrison, Me.; mar. 20
Jan., 1879, William O. Emmons, b. 5 Jan., 1857, son of Joseph F.,
and wife, Hannah A. Emmons, of Kennebunk, Me. He is a black-
smith and carpenter. Places of residence in their order are Harrison
and Portland, Me.; Lynn, Mass.; Greenwood, Me. Mrs. Emmons
supplied data for family 11. Issue:

1st. Maud Elena, b. 6 Sept., 1880; mar. 31 Jan., 1897, Ross
D. Coburn; reside in Greenwood, Me. Issue:

I. Elcie Elena, b. 12 Oct., 1898.

II. Winnifred Mildred, b. 12 Apr., 1900; d. 18 June, 1900.

III. Bertrice Elmena, b. 6 May, 1901.

2nd. Mildred Frances, b. 15 May, 1883; mar. 18 June, 1899,
Allen E. Cole; resides in Greenwood, Me. Issue:

I. Hazel Inez, b. 16 June, 1900.

II. Bertha Mildred, b. 9 Mar., 1902.
3d. Llewellyn Brackett, b. 28 May, 1889.

4th. Hugh Fesington, b. 7 Dec, 1897; d. 11 Dec, 1897.

FAMILY NO. 12.

From Family No. 3. Descent: Anthon}^ Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., Captain John, Chapman.

Chapman Brackett was born August 21, 1808, in that part of
the present city of Westbrook which was formerly a part of the town
of Falmouth. He was reared in the town of Harrison, and upon his
marriage settled in Bridgton, Me.; from there removed to Mason,
thence to Casco, Me. Married December 9, 1831, Amanda Wight,
born September 21, 1817, died September 3, 1866, daughter of
Virgil (and wife Ann Wiseman), son of Jonathan, son of Jonathan,
son of Henry, son of Thomas Wight, the immigrant. Mr. Brackett
was a farmer; died April 20, 1881. Issue:

1. Joel W., b. 27 Dec, 1832. See family 32.

ANTHONY, JR., OF STROUDWATER 171

2. Cyrus H., b. 15 Oct., 1834; d. 12 Mar., 1835.

3. Elizabeth Jane, b. 30 Ma^^ 1837; mar. Bartlett Coughlan;
reside in Portland, Me. Children: May S.; John F.; John C;
Thomas C.

4. Mary Anna, b. 5 Oct., 1843; mar. George K. Hanson of South
Windham, Me. Children: George A.; Joseph E.

5. Charles C, b. 22 Dec, 1847. See family 33.

EIGHTH GENERATION.

FAMILY NO. 13.

From Famil}^ No. 4. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., Jeremiah, Reuben, William P.

William Plunimer Brackett was born February 27, 1808, in
Westbrook, Me. While a young man he left Cumberland county,
the place of his and his ancestors' nativity, went to Oxford county.
Me., which, at the time, was little better than a wilderness, where
he commenced to clear land for a farm. The town in which he set-
tled was Peru. Here he resided until his death. To the census
enumerator of that town for 1850, he stated that his farm was worth
$800. He married April 21, 1831, Lanjra J. Bowker, born March
29, 1808, died November 29, 1873. She was a daughter of James
Bowker and wife, Judith Beau, of Paris, Me. Mr. Brackett died
Ma)-' 22, 1878. Issue:

1. Julia M., b. 19 Dec, 1832; mar. (ist) Euther Jackson; (2nd)
Edmond C. Bowker; resides in Sumner, Me.

2. Helen M., b. 6 Aug., 1835; d. 10 Aug., 1835.

3. William P., b. 5 Apr., 1838. See family 34.

4. Eaura J., b. 14 Mar., 1841; d. 12 Aug., 1842".

5. Eaura J., b. 24 Dec, 1842; mar. Adelbert Bartlett; resides in
East Blackstone, Mass.

6. Jeremiah C, b. 7 Aug., 1845. See family 35.

7. Eionel O., b. 22 Aug., 1847. See family 36.

FAMILY NO. 14.

From Family No. 4. Descent: Anthony-, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., Jeremiah, Reuben, Jeremiah C.

Jeremiah Chapman Brackett was born September 10, 1809, in
Westbrook, Me., where he resided until his death. His business
was farming. In i860, he stated to the census enumerator that the
value of his farm was $2,000. About 1850, he married Sophronia E.

Knight, daughter of Amos and wife, Eucy , of Westbrook, Me.

She was born September 22, 1821, and died September 22, 1856.
He died Januar}^ 17, 1883. Issue:

1. J. Etta C, b. 18 Jan., 1855; mar. 12 April, 1899, John Kemp-
ton; resides at Pride's corner, Westbrook, Me.

2. Ellen S., b. 18 Sept., 1856; mar. 16 Mar., 1893, Randall W.
Austin, son of Jonah and wife, Minerva A. Eibby, of Windham,
Me. He was b. 16 Mar., 1857, and is a farmer; resides in North
Falmouth, Me. Issue:

1st. Randall Knight Austin, b. 31 Aug., 1894.

172 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

FAMILY NO. 15.

From Famih' No. 4. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthon}', Jr., Jeremiah, Reuben, Stephen M.

Stephen Morrill Brackett was born December 3, 181 2, in West-
brook, Me.; in 1850 was engaged in merchandising; had an exten-
sive acquaintance in Cumberland county. Married (ist, intention
published July 16, 1836,) Lucy H. Cobb, daughter of Peter and wife,

Hawkes, of Windham, Me.; she died shortl3' after marriage.

(2nd) Mary G. Hackett, daughter of Ezekiel and wife, Susan Graf-
burn, of Green, Me., born October 22, 1808, died October 8, 1883.
Mr. Brackett's death occurred March 12, 1888. Issue, bj^ wife Lucy
H. Cobb:

1. Margaret Webber, who mar. George W. Furlong, son of Ben-
jamin and wife, Eliza Wiley; is freight agent of Boston & Maine
R. R.; home, in Deering, Me. Issue:

1st. John Eugene, b. 24 Oct., 1870; d. 28 Apr., 1878.
2nd. Gertrude Eliza, b. 20 Oct., 1871; d. 8 Jan., 1902; mar.
28 Oct., 1890, Elmer H. Ingalls. Issue:

I. George H., b. in 1891.

II. Elmer H., Jr., b. 9 Jan., 1893.

III. Edith Gertrude, b. in 1894.

3d. George French, b. 9 Feb., 1875; d. in Dec, 1881.
4th. Mark Emory, b. 9 June, 1876; d. 23 Aug., 1876.
By wife Mary G. Hackett:

2. Elizabeth, b. 23 Nov., 1846; d. 27 Apr., 1870; mar. Daniel
McDonald.

3. Addie, b. 10 Apr., 1848; mar. 14 Feb., 1887, Luther Starbird,
b. 14 Sept., 1822; home, in Green, Me.

4. Stephen.

5. Mary, b. 10 Mar., 1852; d. 24 Mar., 1852.

FAMILY NO. 16.

From Famil}^ No. 4. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., Jeremiah, Reuben, Samuel M.

Samuel M. Brackett was born March 2, 1820, in Westbrook, Me.
His business was farming. He resided for several years in West-
brook when he removed to Cumberland, where he continued to
reside until his death, March 9, 1895. He married January 4, 1854,
Harriet, daughter of Joseph Russell and wife, Priscilla P. Wilson, of
Falmouth, Me. She was born June 27, 1824; resides in Cumber-
land, Me. Issue:

1. Harriet Lionel, b. 12 Aug., 1855; d. 12 Dec, 1862.

2. Alma Maria, b. 30 Nov., 1857; mar. 5 Aug., 1891, Fairfield
Whitney; resides in Townsend, Me.

3. Reuben Gooding, b. 21 Oct., 1859; mar. 2 Oct., 1898, Mary
C. Morrill; resides in Cumberland, Me. Issue:

1st. Philip Everett, b. 9 Oct., 1899.

4. Anne Wilson, b. 12 Sept., 1861; mar. 23 Aug., 1883, Samuel
K. Hitchings; resides in Cumberland, Me.

5. Philip Russell, b. 16 Nov., 1863; d. 24 Nov., 1891.

ANTHONY, JR., OF STROUDWATER 173

FAMILY NO. 17.

From Family No. 6. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., Jeremiah, Anthony, Daniel G.

Daniel G. Brackett was born February 9, 1826; is a farmer;
resides at Sebago Lake, Me.; married in 1859, Susan A. Whiting,
born in 1834, daughter of Oliver and wife, Belinda Fuller, of Den-
mark, Me. Issue:

1. Albert F., b. 24 Nov., 1859; mar. Carrie Jones.

2. George Ingalls, b. 27 Jan., 1863; mar. in Dec, 1884, lyillie
Lowell; resides in Watertown, Mass. Issue:

1st. Clon L., b. 5 May, 1886.

3. Solon C, b. 5 Dec., 1877; unmar.; resides at Sebago Lake.

FAMILY NO. 18.

From Famil}^ No. 7. "Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., Jeremiah, Nathaniel, John.

John Brackett was born December 30, i§25, in Naples, Me.,
where he resided all his life; was a farmer; died March 18, 1898;
married (ist) in May, i860, Olive Gilman; (2nd) February 19, 1869,
Almira A. Ingalls (see div. 7, fam. 6). , Issue:

1. Lottie, who mar. in Feb., 1898, Frank Manchester.

FAMILY NO. 19.

From Family No. 7. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., Jeremiah, Nathaniel, Lendal S.

Lendal S. Brackett was born August 20, 1831, in Naples, Me.,
where he resided all his life; was a farmer; is deceased; married
May 8, 1857. Anna Hapsgood, born January 29, 1836, daughter of
Oliver and wife. Abigail Welch. Issue:

1. Melville S., b. 30 Nov., 1858; mar. 27 Dec, 1871, Minerva
Mains; resides in Naples.

2. Dana L., b. 14 Oct., 1862; mar. 30 Nov., 1891, Mamie Davis;
resides in Portland, Me.

3. Lillie G., b. 20 Jan., 1866; mar. i Jan., 1887, Herbert A.
Edwards; resides in Caribou, Me.

4. Cora M., b. 12 Jan., 1870; mar. 20 Mar., 1897, James S.
Mains; resides in Otisfield, Me. Issue:

1st. Leon B., b. 5 Jan., 1S98.

FAMILY NO. 20.

From Family No. 7. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., Jeremiah, Nathaniel, Charles.

Charles Brackett was born February 11, 1838, in Naples, Me.;
married November 27, 1862, Julia Leach. Issue:

1. Edward F., b. 15 Dec, 1866; is unmar.

2. Maria E., b. 29 Oct., 1867; mar. 19 Jan., 1886, George M.
Burgess. Children: Eva M., b. 4 Nov., 1887; Nina, b. 12 Aug.,
1889; Winfield, b. 4 Nov., 1892; George N.. b. 20 Oct., 1896.

174 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

3. Olive G., b. 27 Apr., 1872; mar. Charles A. lyord. Children:
Albert C, b. 21 Jan., 1889; Kittie h., b. 27 June, 1891; Charles G.,
b. 29 June, 1894.

4. Mary M., b. 24 Sept., 1874; mar. George Shone. Children:
Julia A., b. 16 June, 1894; lyinwood B., b. 10 Jan., 1896; Lafayette,
b. 22 Oct., 1898.

FAMILY NO. 2L

From Family No. 8. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., Captain John, William, Daniel H.

Daniel H. Brackett was born June 3, 1813, in Waterford, Me.
In 1850, he was living in the town of his nativit3^• later he resided in
Freeport; from there removed, prior to i860, to the town of Yar-
mouth, where he dwelt until his death, which occurred December 16,
1883; was a farmer; married August 2, 1838, Hannah Bennett of
Yarmouth, born February 20, 1816, died September 27, 1879, daugh-
ter of William and wife, Hannah Day. Issue:

1. Orrin W., b. 13 Jan., 1841, in Freeport, Me.; resided for sev-
eral years in Yarmouth, Me. Served in company G., 25th Maine
volunteer infantr5^ during the civil war; mar. 24 Dec, 1866, Harriet
N. S. Walker, daughter of William and wife, Lois Soule. Mr.
Brackett died 4 Feb., 1900. Issue:

1st. Gertrude E., b. 18 Feb., 1869; mar. William R. Craige of
Freeport, Me. Home in Freeport, Me. Issue:

I. Harriet V., b. 29 July, 1887.

II. Carl H., b. 29 June, 1890.

III. Lois M., b. 22 Dec, 1893.

2nd. Alvernice M., b. 2 Sept., 1872; is unmar.

2. Alvin M., b. 7 Jan., 1843; d. i Mar., 1864. Served in com-
pany F, ist Maine volunteer cavalry; was in Dalghren's raid on
Richmond, Va. The report of the adjutant general shows that he
was killed in battle i Mar., 1864; some of his comrades who were
taken prisoners, said that he lived to 4 Mar., 1864.

3. Ellen L., b. 24 Dec, 1848; mar. Edwin Fitz; home, in West
Pownal, Me.

4. Henry D., b. 19 Sept., 1851; mar. 14 Nov., 1871, Eliza P.
Tuttle, b. 3 July, 1854, dau. of James T. and wife, Elizabeth J. Fitz,
of Freeport; home, in Yarmouthville, Me.; is a traveling salesman.
Mrs. Brackett is secretary (1906) of the Brackett Family Association,
which position she has held since 1904. No issue.

FAMILY NO. 22.

From Family No. 8. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., Captain John, William, George W.

George W. Brackett was born in Harrison, Me., May 6, 1818,
lived in 1850 in Waterford, Me., later in Harrison; subsequently to
1880, removed to Bethel and from there to Westbrook, Me., where he
died October 17, 1893; was a farmer; married (ist) Maj^ 17, 1842,
Rebecca Bailey, born October 21, 1818, died June 24, 1880, daughter
of Joseph and wife, Betsey Dyer of Westbrook; married (2nd) Mary
Pattee of Bethel, Me. Issue:

ANTHONY, JR., OF STROUDWATER 175

1. Christian, b. 3 Jan., 1844; d. 26 Oct., 1858.

2. Addie S., b. 6 June, 1849; mar. i May, 1878, W. H. H. Bryant;
home, in Cumberland Mills, Me. Issue:

1st. Myrton A., b. 11 Apr., 1880.

3. Parmelia, b. 24 Aug., 1851; mar. 27 June, 1871, George A.
Hall; d. 13 Oct., 1882. Children, Altie M., b. 30 May, 1874, d. in
June, 1876; John B., b. 16 Aug., 1877; Lelia Mai, b. 26 Jul}^ 1881.

4. Emil J., b. 25 June, 1854. See family 37.

5. George E., b. 16 June, 1857. See family 38.

6. lyizzie ly., b. 30 Aug., 1859; mar. 6 Mar., 1895, Horace Annas,
b. 8 Aug., i860, son of Jacob and wife, Hannah Cushman, of Bethel,
Me.; is an upholsterer; have resided in Barre, Vt., and Woodfords,
Me.; home, in Westbrook, Me. Mrs. Annas supplied data relative to
family 22.

7. Nellie M., b. 26 Aug., 1863; mar. 4 Dec. 1894, Freeman Brown;
home, in Westbrook, Me.

FAMILY NO. 23.

From Family No. 9. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., Captain John, Enoch, Joseph L.

Joseph E. Brackett was born November i, 1821, in Harrison,

Me., where he resided until his death. Married Jane L. , b.

in 1834; is deceased. Mr. Brackett was given to original expressions.
Among others is recalled this, that "a rich father-in-law is like a fat
hog, is of no use until he is dead." Issue:

1. Catharine, b. about 1845; is dec.

2. Ira, b. about 1851; is dec.

Data relative to this family, gleaned from censuses.

FAMILY NO. 24.

From Famil}^ No. 9. Descent: Anthony, Anthom^ Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., Captain John, Enoch, Eewis G.

Eewis G. Brackett was born November — , 1833, in Harrison,
Me., where he resided, engaged in farming; he married Eliza A.
, b. about 1840, in Otisfield, Me.; is deceased. Issue:

1. Lyman C. b. Apr., i860.

2. Eaura G., b. about 1865.

3. Eendon J., b. about 1871.

4. Lewis N., b. about 1874.

Data as to this family, gleaned from censuses.

FAMILY NO. 25.

From Family No. 10. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., Captain John, Walker, Silas B.

The Rev. Mr. Silas B. Brackett was born November 11, 1818, in
Harrison, Me. He attended for a time the North Bridgton academy
and taught several terms of public school; in the twenty-fourth j-ear
of his age he said ' 'farewell to my praying mother' ' and left Harrison
for Northfield and Wesley, Me., to take charge of the Methodist
Episcopal churches in those towns, in the capacity of minister. Sub-

176 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

seqtiently he had charge of churches in Orland and East Buckfield,
Trenton, Farmington, Industry, Fairfield, Solon and Phillips, in the
order named. In Avon, Me., in the year 1857, he purchased a farm;
in 1864 he moved to Rangeley, and from there to Norway in 1866.
During these j^ears his business was farming. In 1869, with his fam-
ily he removed to Illinois, where he resided in the towns of Dwight
and Broughton, and later in Chicago. He married July 10, 1845,
Sarah A. Burnham of Harrison, Me. She was born April 12, 1821,
and died April 18, 1889. He died December 15, 1895. Issue:

1. Silas Frederick, b. 14 Aug., 1846; unmar.; resides in Bock,
Minn.

2. Franklin Pierce, b. 27 Sept., 1847; mar. 1897. No issue.

Was killed in May, 1905, by a fall from the roof of a building.

3. Alpheus Lovewell, b. 16 June, 1849. See family 39.

4. Henry Campbell, b. 29 July, 1850. See family 40.

5. Virgil Neal, b. i Jan., 1852. See family 41.

6. Peel Bodwell, b. 11 Apr., 1853. See family 42.

7. Velzora Eastman, b. 8 July, 1854; mar. 23 Apr., 1871, Thomas
S. Woodward; resides No. 527, 12 St., Denver, Colo. Issue:

1st. Maud Eaura, b. 29 Jan., 1874.
2d. lona Eastman, b. 19 Feb., 1876.
3d. Eillie Velzora, b. 13 Mar., 1878.
4th. Nora E., b. 6 Mar., 1881.
5th. Horace Emmett, b. 19 Aug., 1883.

8. Josephine Maria, b. 11 Dec, 1855; d. 22 Nov., 1870, in
Broughton, 111.

9. Gilbert Marion, b. 13 Mav, 1857; d. 5 Feb., 1869, in Norway,
Me.

10. Mary Geneva, b. 28 July, 1858; d. 3 Apr., 1884, in Dwight, 111.

11. Eovina Downing, b. 19 Sept., 1859; mar. 31 Mar., 1887,

Albion C. Darst, son of Anson and wife, Eydia Ann ; resides at

No. 126 25th St., Chicago, 111. Issue:

1st. Flavins Albion, b. 7 Feb., 1889,
2d. Calistia Grace, b. 17 Feb., 1891.

12. Sumner Burnham, b. 27 Sept., i860; d. 4 Nov., 1870, in
Broughton, 111.

13. Calistia, b. 26 Mar., 1862; unmar.

14. Oliver Stevens, b. 16 Mar., 1863; d. 24 May, 1863, in Avon, Me,

15. Abbie Ann, b. 13 June, 1865; unmar.

FAMILY NO. 26.

From Family No. 10. Descent: Anthony, Anthom^, Zachariah,
Anthou}^, Jr., Captain John, Walker, Walker, Jr.

Walker Brackett, Jr., was born November 24, 1824, in Harrison,
Me. For a time he lived in Casco; in i860, he again resided in Har-
rison on a farm; married Eliza Eeach, born about 1834, of Raymond,
Me.; married (2nd) Jennie Hackett of Salem, Mass. Issue:

1. Ellen M., b. about 1855 in Casco, Me.

2. May, b. about i860 in Harrison, Me.

ANTHONY, JR., OF STROUDWATER 177

FAMILY NO. 27.

From Family No. lo. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., Captain John, Walker, Elbridge O.

Elbridge Osgood Brackett was born October 4, 1830, in Harrison,
Me. He has resided in the following named towns: Mason, Avon,
Dixfield and Wilton, Me., and Dover, Minnesota. In the last named
place he has lived for several years. He is a harness-maker; mar-
ried April 15, 1858, Mary Butterfield Hunt, born April 13, 1835,
daughter of Noah Johnson Hunt and wife, Mary Bridges, of Avon,
Me. In Avon, Mr. Brackett held the ofhce of selectman and he has
been postmaster at Dover. Issue:

1. Carrie, b. 9 Oct., 1859; d. 21 Aug., 1865.

2. Hattie, b. 26 Nov., i860; mar. 16 Sept., 1882, Alwyne A. Dale;
resides at Dover, Minn. Issue:

1st. Ethelwyne, b. 12 Mar., 1887.
2nd. Mary, b. 4 Feb., 1891.

3. Cora, b. 14 Oct., 1866.

4. Elbridge Arden, b. 23 Feb., 1873.

FAMILY NO. 28.

From Family No. 10. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., Captain John, Walker, Charles H.,

Charles Henry Brackett was born February 24, 1836, in Harri-
son, Me.; married Lois Talbot; has resided for many years at Elena,
Cal. Issue:

No record.

FAMILY NO. 29.

From Family No. 11. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., Captain John, John, Jr., Amos.

Amos Brackett was born December 15, 1838, in Harrison, Me.,
where he still resides on a farm; he married March 27, 1863, Eunice
M. Peabody, born November 13, 1845, daughter of Benjamin and wife,
Polly Morse, of Norwav, Me. Issue:
1. Harry B.. b. 12 Oct., 1880.

FAMILY NO. 30.

From Family No. 11. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., Captain John, John, Jr., Horace N.

Horace Nelson Brackett was born August i, 1844, in Harrison,
Me. Enlisted July 23, 1862, into company H, 17th Me. vol. inf.;
was in ten general engagements, among others, Fredericksburg,
Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and the Wilderness, where he lost a leg.
At Gettysburg was one of four of his company to stack arms after the
battle; nine were killed, eight wounded, and the rest missing. Was
made corporal on the field of Eocust Grove; discharged March 23,
1865. Married October 15, 1885, Josephine P. Arnold, born Decem-
ber 6, 1859, daughter of Leonard P. and wife, Frances D. Stevens, of
North Abington, Mass. Was a contractor; had an extensive acquain-

178 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

tance and was very popular with his many friends. He died January |
19, 1904. Issue:

1. Leonard A., b. 11 Nov., 1886.

2. Dorrice, b. 17 Dec. 1896.

FAMILY NO. 3L

From Famih' No. 11. Descent: Anthony, Anthon3% Zachariah.
Anthou}^, Jr., Captain John, John, Jr., L-lewellyn K.

lylewellyn Kendall Brackett was born June 21, 1847, in Harrison,
Me.; resides in Lynn, Mass., where he is employed as watchman on
the plant of the General Electric Co. of that cit}-. Served as a private
in company I, 12th Maine volunteer infantry from Februar^^ 1865 to '
March, 1866; married October 20, 1871; Sally B. Winslow, daughter '
of George W. and wife, Ellen E. Holmes, of Marblehead, Mass. She
was born May 26. 1852, and died May 22, 1892. Issue:

1. John H., b. 28 June, 1872; mar. in June, 1899, Etta JefTers;
resides at 41 Clinton St., Fitchburg, Mass.

2. Washington W., b. 7 Mar., 1877; d. 22 June, 1882.

3. Sadie R., b. 15 June, 1882; mar. in Sept., 1899, Wm. McCann;^
resides in Lynn, Mass. Issue:

1st. Hattie Brackett, b. 21 Oct., 1900.

2d. Sally Howard, b. 11 July, 1901.

FAMILY NO. 32.

From Family No. 12. Descent: Anthou}-, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., Captain John, Chapman, Joel W.

Joel Whitman Brackett was born' December 27, 1832, in the town
of Bridgton, county of Cumberland, state of Maine; he moved to
Massachusetts, thence to Missouri, in which state he resided in Ra}'-
mondsville until his death, December 30, 1905. He serv-ed in com-
pany G, 5th Maine, volunteer infantr3% and in compan^^ K, United
States veteran resen^e corps; married October 30, 1857, Hannah B.
Russell, born May 22, 1838, daughter of Benjamin and wife, Mahala
Wright, of Greenwood, Oxford countj^, Maine. Issue:

1. Almoren, b. 30 Oct., 1858. See family 43.

2. Fred A., b. 26 Feb., 1861. See family 44.

3. Sarah L., b. 13 Sept., 1867; mar. 25 Dec, 1886, Chauncey W.
Payne; resides in Raymondsville. Issue:

1st. Cassius M., b. 4 Apr., 1888.

2d. Arthur W., b. 18 Aug., 1890.

3d. Ernest, b. 24 July, 1893.

4th. Chauncey S., b. 12 Aug., 1897.

4. Mary A., b. 29 Mar., 1873; mar. 29 Mar., 1896, Joseph Holder;
resides in Raymondsville. Issue:

1st. Charlie Joe, b. 7 Mar., 1898.

5. Charlie Joe, b. 6 June, 1878; unmar.; resides at Jamestown,
Arkansas.

ANTHONY, JR., OF STROUDWATER 1T9

FAMILY NO. 33.

From Family No. 12. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., Captain John, Chapman, Charles C.

Charles C. Brackett was born December 22, 1847, in the town of
Mason, county of Oxford, Me.; he has resided in Portland and East
Deering, Me., and now lives in Harrison on a farm. He served in
company C, 15th Maine volunteer infantry, from February 6, 1865,
date of enlistment, to February 9, 1866, date of discharge. He mar-
ried September 17, 1881, Elizabeth Boyd, born April 19, 1863
daughter of James and wife, Catherine Wark, of Portland. Issue:

1. Albert C, b. 26 Aug., 1882.

2. Bessie A., b. 7 Aug., 1884.

3. Edward E., b. 3 May, 1893.

NINTH generation;.

FAMILY NO. 34.

From Famih^ No. 13. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., Jeremiah, Reuben, William P., William P.

William Plummer Brackett is a farmer in West Peru, Maine,
where he has resided since his birth, April 5, 1838. Married January
I, 1862, Sarah M. Jackson, born April 2, 1838, daughter of Seth W.
and wife, Elnora Woodsum, of West Peru, Me. Issue:

1. Albion L., b. 9 Nov, 1863. See family 45.

2. Irving L,., b. 10 Apr., 1869; is unmar; resides in Rockland,
Mass.

FAMILY NO. 35.

From Family No. 13. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., Jeremiah, Reuben, William P., Jeremiah C.

Jeremiah C. Brackett was born August 7, 1845, in Peru, Maine.
He married October 6, 1869, Olive A. Jackson, born September 19,
18 — , daughter of Seth W. and wife, Elnora Woodsum, of West Peru,
Me. Mr. Brackett served in compan}^ E, 31st and 32nd Maine volun-
teer infantry. He is a conductor on street railway. Issue:

1. Elvin, b. II June, 1871.

2. Alton B., b. 5 Aug., 1874; mar. 2 Dec, 1897, Minerva Eitch-
field. Issue:

1st, Jerry Elvin, b. 11 Feb., 1899.

3. Eva M., b. 26 Mar., 1883.

FAMILY NO. 36.

From Family No. 13. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., Jeremiah, Reuben, William P., Lionel O.

Eionel Oren Brackett was born August 22, 1847, in Peru, Me.
His first place of residence, upon leaving his native town, was
Auburn, Me.; from there he moved to Sumner, Me., thence back to

180 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

Auburn; is a weaver, second-hand in weave room; married August 30,
1877, Sarah J. Belhs, born January 12, 1856, daughter of John and
wife, Mary Jane Walker, of Calais, Me. Issue:

1. Velma Gladys, b. 4 Sept., 1885.

2. Hattie Emma, b. 27 Feb., 1889.

FAMILY NO. 37.

From Famih' No. 22. Descent: Anthon}^ Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., Captain John, William, George W., Emil J.

Emil J. Brackett was born June 25, 1854, in Harrison, Me. He
now resides in Westbrook, Me., on a farm. He married (ist) June
6, 1878, Etta Gammon, daughter of Seba and wife, Jane Frost, of
Norway, Me. vShe died October, 14, 1885; (2nd) December 3, 1886,
Kate Bailey, daughter of William and wife, Emeline Knight, of Peru,
Me. Issue:

1. Lulu, b. 7 June, 1880; d. 3 Aug., 1880.

2. Elbe Rebecca, b. 4 Feb., 1883; d. 21 Dec, 1900.

FAMILY NO. 38.

From Family No. 22. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., Captain John. William, George W., George E.

George Edwin Brackett was born June 16, 1857, in Harrison,
Me.; now resides in Westbrook, Me. By trade, is a carpenter. He
married January 29, 1885, Hattie Bailey, born April 19-, i860,
daughter of Ezra and wife, Eucy Clark, of Minot, Me. Issue:

"1. Carl Bailey, b. 16 Nov., 1886.

FAMILY NO. 39.

From Family No. 25. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., Captain John, Walker, Silas B., Alpheus E-

Alpheus Eovewell Brackett was born in Maine, June 16, 1849;
for twenty years was baggage master and U. S. mail agent between
Boston and St. Johns, on the International Steamship Company line;
home, in Everett, Mass. Was president of the Brackett Family Asso-
ciation, organized in 1900. In 1897, at his expense, he published
two small pamphlets containing names, dates of births, etc., of many
of the descendants of Anthony Brackett, which he gratuitously dis-
tributed. These little works have been found nearly free from errors,
and have been of the greatest value in the compilation of this history.
In addition he had collected an amount of unpublished data, which
he generously placed to the use of the writer. Married Annie E.
Ditmars of Somer\nlle, Mass., born September 25, 1857. Issue:

1. Annie May, b. 13 Nov., 1881.

2. Alice Burnham, b. 9 Sept., 1884; d. 10 Aug., 1885.

3. Alpheus Ditmars, b. 8 Dec, 1885.

4. Arthur Hamilton, b. 14 Feb., 1888.

5. Anthony Howard, b. 15 Mar., 1890.

6. Abigail Helen, b. 23 Feb., 1885; d. 15 Mar., 1897.

ANTHONY, JR., OF STROUDWATER 181

FAMILY NO. 40.
From Family No. 25. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., Captain John, Walker, Silas B., Henry C.

Henry C. Brackett was born July 29, 1850, in Fairfield, Me.; is a
contractor in Youngstown, Ohio; has resided in Norway Me., Dwight,
111., and Waverh', Tenn., in the order named. Married April 14,
1876, Catherine Welch, born in September, 1849, daughter of Edward
and wife, Anna Welch, of coiinty Mayo, Ireland. Issue:

1. Edward, b. 8 Aug., 1877; resides in Youngstown.

2. Albert, b. 23 Apr., 1879; resides in Youngstown.

3. Andrew O., b. 20 Apr., 1882; resides in Youngstown.

4. William H., b. 2 Feb., 1884; resides in Youngstown.

5. Earl. b. 31 May, 1886; d. 12 Feb., 1890.

FAMILY NO. 4L

From Family No. 25. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., Captain John, Walker, Silas B., Virgil N.

Virgil Neal Brackett was born January i, 1852, in Maine; is
contractor and gravel roofer in Chicago; was alderman two terms, from
1893 to 1897. Married June 10, 1894, Clara S. Tibbits, born April
27, 1868, daughter of Charles and wife, Fanny M. Spencer, of Roches-
ter, N. Y. Issue:

1. Anthony Virgil, b. 28 Aug., 1896; d. 26 Apr., 1897.

2. Thomas Reed, b. 25 Dec, 1901.

FAMILY NO. 42.

From Family No. 25. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., Captain John, Walker, Silas B., Peel Bodwell.

Peel Bodwell Brackett was born April 11, 1853; he resides in
Chicago; married Agnes Jane Neal, born in January, 1862. Issue:

1. Robert Helmuth, b. 12 Aug., 1891.

2. Mabel Jane, b. 8 June, 1893.

3. Ruth Lillian, b. 20 July, 1895.

FAMILY NO. 43.

From Family No. 32. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., John, Chapman, Joel W., Almoren.

Almoren Brackett was born October 30, 1858; married (ist)
Mahalia Robier; (2nd) Love Martin. In the war with Spain he
ser\^ed in 6th volunteer infantr3% and in U. S. hospital corps, to which
transferred; is now totally blind; home, in Raymondsville, Mo. Issue:
Frank, b. 17 June, 1883; Joel W.; William M.; Daisey h.; Benjamin
H.; Rose May; James B.; Carlos, and John W.

FAMILY NO. 44.

From Family No. 32. Descent: Anthom-, Anthon^^, Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., John, Chapman, Joel W., Fred A.

Fred A. Brackett was born Februar}'^ 26, 1861; married June 12,
1881, Emily A. Holden; home, in Raymondsville, Mo. Issue: Alfred
A., b. 30 June, 1882; Nelhe A.; Mary E.; Hattie H.; Walter S., b.
21 Oct., [892; Estella R.; Mark H., b. 7 Mar., 1898.

182 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

FAMILY NO. 45.

From Family No. 34. Descent: Aiithom^, Anthony, Zachariah,
Anthony, Jr., Jeremiah, Reuben, William P., William P.,
Albion iy.

Albion L. Brackett was born November 9, 1863, in Pern, Me.,
from where he removed to his present place of residence. Auburn,
Me. He lives at No. 114, 7th Street; is second-hand in weaving
room. Married September 30, 1885, Cassie E. Calligan, born July 25,
1863, daughter of Warren P. and wife, Mary K. Morgan, of Machias,
Me. Issue:

1. WilHam W., b. 6 Jan., 1887.

2. Hazel B., b. 19 Jan., 1889.

3. Harold L., b. 6 Apr., 1891.

4. Henry I., b. 16 Sept., 1893.

5. Leston A., b. 10 Feb., 1897.

THOMAS, OF MORRILL'S CORNER 183

DIVISION NO. 5.

THOMAS BRACKETT OF MORRILL'S CORNER
AND HIS DESCENDANTS,

FIFTH GENERATION.

FAMILY NO. L
From Chapter 6. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah, Thomas.

Thomas Brackett was the youngest of the children of Zachariah
and Hannah Drake, who were born in Hampton, New Hampshire;
the day and month of the date of his birth, are not known; the year
thereof was 1718. He was baptized in the church in Falmouth in
1737. As a child he lisped his terror of the Indians while huddled
with his brothers, sisters and others in a garrison house on the Neck;
as a man his services were as freeh^ o^ered for the defense of the
homes of the settlers, as the love for bustle and stir of a military life
could inspire one to undergo the hardships and dangers of combat
with a vigilant and determined foe. When he attained the age of
twenty-six years, the war of 1744 commenced with the French and
Indians. It was the year of his marriage. Promptly he enlisted for
the war, was on the expedition which effected the capture of Louis-
burg, and was present at the surrender of that fortress. He .served in
Captain Humphrey Cobb's company. Colonel Samuel Waldo's regi-
ment. For his ser\nce on .said expedition he was granted land now in
the present town of Standish, but never lived on the grant. Also
served in the last French and Indian war; was a private in Captain
Jeremiah Milk's Falmouth Neck company; his name appears in a list
of its members dated May 10, 1757. Like his brother Joshua, he was
probabh' a member of another organization and was absent from Fal-
mouth for many months during the war. He lived on a farm of his
own near Morrill's corner adjoining the Morrill farm. It is thought
that he did not settle there until subsequently to 1757, as had he
resided there prior to that year he would probably have been a mem-
ber of Captain Samuel Skilling's Stroudwater company. Anthony,
Jr., his brother, was the only one by the name of Brackett who was a
member of said company in 1757.

He was a devout and sincere Christian. In the First church of
Falmouth, organized March 8, 1726, he and his wife, in 1748, acknowl-
edged the covenant, and in 1749, were admitted to full membership.
In 1760, he with others signed a petition for the enlargement of the
church building; later he became a member of the church in the
Stroudwater parish, and in a list made in 1760, of those who paid
a tax for the support of the church in that parish, his name is found.
The amount of the tax which he paid, was ten shillings three pence,
it signifying that he lived in a one-story house, the amount of land
not being considered; in this li.st is mentioned that he dwelt near
Morrill's corner. A Miss Sarah Brackett living, in 1894. in West
Auburn. Me., (since deceased) in answer to a letter to her. under

184 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

date of December 29, 1890, wrote — "The Brackett you wrote
about who married a woman by the name of Snow was my great
grandfather * * *; he hved where Benjamin Baile}^ lived near Mor-
rill's corner, where his daughter (Octavia lyibby) now lives." Her
letters, written after she had passed the seventieth j-ear of her age, are
a source of authority for our genealogy, and, fortunately, were pub-
lished in the Deering News (January 5, 1895) under the heading
"Grand Pa's Scrap Book."

The greatest treasure of Thomas Brackett was his family Bible
now in the possession of genial George Barbour at Duck pond. West-
brook, Me. It was printed in London in 1630 by Thomas Baker. In
it are faithfully recorded the names of the children, dates of their
births, and also dates of deaths of some relatives of the family. He
was its constant peruser and therein found words of life eternal. Upon
one of its blank leaves he wrote —

"Thomas Brackett his Book

"God gave him grace therein to look,

"And when the Lord Doth call

"His soul in heaven may have reward."

He married August 29, 1744, Mary Snow; she was a daughter of
John Snow; he came from Kitter}', Me., was ship carpenter and lived
in Falmouth at the foot of George St.; he died January 14, 1765; his
wife Mary died June 22, 1763.

The wife of Thomas Brackett, though a woman of many excel-
lent qualities, was much given to an unreasonable exercise of her
tongue. Concerning her Miss Brackett wrote — "My father told me
her name was Nancy Snow and all she cared to do was to read and
scold." Miss Sarah did not correctly remember the Christian name
of her great-grandmother. Her father was Nathaniel Brackett; he
was about eleven ^^ears old when his grandfather, Thomas Brackett,
died. It is rea.sonable to believe that young Nathaniel knew the
truth of the matter and in his old age told it correctly. The worth}^
couple dwelt quieth-, as quietly as the Indians would let them, at
Morrill's corner, he meditating on the promises the book contained,
and she scolding young Nathaniel and the other grandchildren.
Whether Thomas had misgivings that tlie promises were not so lib-
eral as to include a "sulky sullen dame" without special pleading;
whether merely an act of temerity on his part; or whether it was a
hope of his based upon the faith of an exceptionalh^ long calm of the
unruh' member, that prompted him, he ventured to write in the
book—

"Mary Brackett and I do join in hart and hand. We Do Combyne."
And signed his name.

Thomas Brackett was an emergency man. All the Bracketts of
his day were emergency men — to the front when there was an alarm
of public danger. It will be noted that he was married in 1744. It
was not until 1748 that he has spare time for church matters and
babies, who thenceforth arrive regularly at inter\'als of two years.
From 1744 to 1748, there was war between Great Britain and France,
which involved their respective colonies; public danger called him
away from his home. It is pleasing to think of him at the sunset of
his life sitting on the porch of his little cottage, with his children and
numerous grandchildren about him, the well-thumbed Bible in his

THOMAS, OF MORRILL'S CORNER 185

lap, the good wife at her long rest. Perhaps, it was not until shortly
before she passed away, that the man who was in the front ranks
in the storming of the forts about lyouisburg, ventured to write —
'"Mary Brackett and I do join in hart and hand. We Do Combyne."
He died in the eighty-sixth year of his age on Maj^ 23, 1803.
Issue:

1. John Snow, b. 23 Nov., 1749. See family 2.

2. William, b. 7 Aug., 1752. See family 3.

3. Jane, bapt. 14 July, 176 — ; d. young.

4. Peter, b. 7 Nov., 1756. See family 4.

5. Elizabeth; bapt. 4 May, 1766; d. ^^oung.

(). Mary, b. 14 Sept., 1760; mar. 22 Apr., 1788, Benjamin Bailey,
b. in 1764, son of John, Jr., grandson of Deacon John; d. 16 Oct.,
1823. Issue, the name of one only known.

1st. Mary; b. 4 Apr., 1789; mar. 26 Nov., 1809, Henry Wilson,
b. 14 Feb., 1782. Children, Mary, b. and d. 27 Jan., 181 1; Angeline,
b. I Oct., 1812; Mary Ann, b. 26 Dec. 1816; Benjamin; Albert M.,
resided at 123 Cumberland St., Portland, mar., had son Virgil C,
graduate of Bowdoin college in 1880, is a lawyer 'in Portland; Almira.

7. Anna, b. 12 Mar., 1764; mar. 20 Jan., 1785, Henry Pride.

8. Hannah, b. 26 July, 1767; mar. 6 July, 1785, Merrill Saw^^er.

SIXTH GENERATION.

FAMILY NO. 2.

From Family No. i. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Thomas, John Snow.

John Snow Brackett was born November 23, 1749, at Morrill's
corner, in Falmouth. He married Betsey Berr}-.

Efforts to secure data relative to the family of John Snow Brackett
were futile until late in the fall of 1905. when Mr. George A. Brackett
of Roxbury, Mass., was able to supply the names of most of his chil-
dren. It is said he had sixteen in all. If true there were that many,
it is thought that at least two of those whose names have not been
learned, died in infancy, which is suggested by the number of
children in the family as shown by the government censuses of 1790
and 1800. The census of 1790 shows his family to have been in that
year five males under the age of sixteen years and four females of
whom his wife was one. The census of 1800 gives the family as fol-
lows: three males under the age of ten ^^ears, one male under the age
of sixteen years, three females under the age of ten years, three
females under the age of sixteen years and his wife. The children
under the age of ten years in 1800, of course, were not enumerated
in 1790; adding these to the eight enumerated in 1790, and the total
is fourteen, of whom but ten were living in 1800. and residing with
their father.

John Snow Brackett owned a farm in the town of Westbrook.
Upon his death in 1801, it was divided among his children and each
received a lot of eight acres. He was a soldier in the Continental
army; served as a private in Captain William Cobb's Cumberland
county regiment; marched July 8, 1779; discharged September 25,

186 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

1779, at Falmouth; served two months and seventeen days with
detachment under Colonel Jonathan Mitchell, expedition against
Penobscot; described as "John Brackett of Presumpscot." He died
in the fall of 1801. His widow became the wife of Joseph Cobb, who
was the father of thirteen children; they removed to Brunswick, Me.,
where the two families w^ere reared in their new home. That the
children lived in harmony is evident from the fact that there were
three intermarriages among them. Issue, not in order of birth:

1. John, Jr., b. 17 Juh^ 1788. See family 5.

2. Silas; d. j^oung.

3. Jacob; was living at time of his father's death; attained legal
age, deeded his share of his father's estate.

4. Thomas, no further record.

5. Charles, d. j^oung.

6. Jeremiah, no further record.

7. Betse3\ mar. 21 Dec, 181 7, Enoch Cobb of Falmouth.

8. Dorcas, b. about 1785; never married; deeded her share of her
father's estate.

9. Charity, b. in May, 1798; mar. 24 June, 1818, George Cobb of
Falmouth; d. 26 May, 1887.

10. Sarah, mar. 24 Nov., 1823, Noah Hoper.

11. Nanc}^ mar. John Knight of Camden, Me.

12. Eunice, mar. J. Randall.

FAMILY NO. 3.

From Family No. i. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zacliariah,
Thomas, William.

William Brackett was born August 7,- 1752, near Morrill's corner
in Falmouth, Me.; he resided in Falmouth when the part of the town
where he lived became the town of Westbrook. In 1815, he removed
to the town of Peru in Oxford county, Me., then sparseh^ settled;
he resided in Peru until his death in 1848, engaged in farming. The
life of this man presents many interesting features worthy of note.
He was born before the commencement of the French and Indian war
and thirty-seven j^ears before the founding of the government of the
United States; he lived to see our country extend its boundaries until
they embraced all its present contiguous territory. Though he was
born more than one hundred and fifty years ago he has children who
have not yet seen their three score and ten j^ears and are remarkable
specimens of well preser\-ed active men.

He was engaged in farming the greater portion of his life. Dur-
ing his later years he had an extensive acquaintance with the people
of the state of Maine. He married (ist) November 14, 1782, Betsey
Walker, born about 1761, died in 1823, daughter of George Walker;
mar. (2nd) in 1824, Julia Smith; the last marriage was contracted
when he was passed the seventieth j^ear of his age.

William Brackett was a soldier in the Continental army. In his
claim for pension, filed in 1832, he testified that he was eighty years
of age, was born August 21, 1752; lived in Falmouth when he
enlisted; removed to Peru, Me., in 1815; that he had an encysted
tumor on inner side of right thigh, firmly attached to the tendons,
weight of four or five pounds; that his first term of service was ren-

THOMAS, OF MORRIIvL'S CORNER 187

dered in 1775; enlisted at Falmouth in April for eight months, in
company commanded by Captain John Brackett, Colonel Phinney's
regiment; marched to Cambridge; was there attached to General
'Putnam's division. The government records show that his name is
on billeting roll, Captain John Brackett' s company, from date of enlist-
ment, May 18, 1775; to' date of marching to headquarters, July 3,
1775; marched from Falmouth; name on roll dated September 29,
1775; received order for bounty coat or its equivalent in money, dated
October 24, 1775. at fort no. 2, Cambridge.

His testimony was further, that in the spring of 1777, he enlisted
for a term of nine months in Captain Abner Lowell's company,
Colonel Mitchell's regiment, which he ser\^ed at Falmouth.

Also, that in the summer or fall of 1778, he enlisted at Falmouth
for four months in Captain Abner Lowell's company, was sergeant,
stationed at F'almouth.

Also, in 1779, served for four months in company commanded by
Captain William Cobb, Colonel Mitchell's regiment. General Wads-
worth's brigade; "served with the expedition called the Penobscot
expedition to Castine, where stationed these months." The govern-
ment records show relative to lavSt term of service, that "William
Brackett of Presumpscot" was sergeant in Captain William Cobb's
company, Cumberland county regiment;^ marched July 8, 1779, dis-
charged September 25, 1779, at Falmouth; served two months and
seventeen days with detachment under Colonel Jonathan Mitchell, on
expedition against Penobscot.

After the close of the war he was an officer in the state militia,
was captain of the Falmouth cavalry company, later promoted to the
rank of major; was familiarly known as Major William Brackett.
Issue:

1. Statira, b. in 1782; d. in Sept., 1800.

2. Mary, b. 23 Mar., 1784; d. in May, 1836; mar. David Barbour.
Issue:

1st. Eliza, b. in Dec, 1809; d. in 1887; mar. Samuel Hawkes.
Children: George; Mary; Lindley; Hamilton; Louisa; Martha.

2nd. Joseph, b. 12 Apr., 181 1; mar. Ruth Lord; had David.

3d. Mary, b. in Oct., 181 5; d. in 1879; mar. Francis Harris.

4th. William, b. in 1819; mar. Elizabeth Hilbourn.

5th. George, mar. Philena Leighton; resides at Duck Pond,
Westbrook; has dau. Ella.

3. Mariam; mar. George Babb of Peru, Me.; children, Hezekiah;
Mary Ann, who mar. Elniore Knight; Seth; Elinor.

4. William, b. 5 Dec, 1787. See family 6.

5. Betsey; d. young.

6. Charlotte; mar. Samuel Bailey of Peru, Me.; children were
William, who mar. (ist) Emeline Knight; Betsey, who mar. Henry
Mclntyre; Susan, who mar. Haskell; Lydia, who mar. Roberts; Gil-
bert; Emeline, who mar. William Lombard; Cornelius, who mar.
Lydia Perry; Stillman, a soldier, who never married.

7. Simeon, b. 2 Jan., 1798. See famil}^ 7.

8. Seth, b. 18 Dec, 1800. See family 8.

9. Thomas, b. 10 June, 1809. See family 9.

10. Amos S., b. I May, 1825. See family 10.

188 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

11. Cynthia, b. in 1827; d. 21 Aug., 1891; mar. John Warren,
grinder in card-room, Biddeford, Me. Children were Susan A., who
mar. I^ewis Bean, and had Stephen Grant; Mariam. who mar. Eugene
Gordon, and had William, Mabel, and Harold; John W., who mar.
Hattie M. Welch, and had Addie and Gladys; Minnie, who mar.
Harry Hanson, and had Walter; Zilpha, who mar. George Sawyer,
and had Minnie and Hazel.

12. Charles W. See family 11.

13. Serena, b. in 1835; mar. in 1853, Joseph C. Dennett, son of
Ephraim and wife, Lydia Cleaves; home, in Saco. Issue:

ist. Ruth A., b. 12 Dec, 1856; mar. in Apr. 1880, Frank East-
man of Saco; their children are Flora; Ethel; Maud, and Nellie.
2d. Nelhe, b. 7 July, i860. .
3d. George A., b. 2 Aug., 1866.
4th. Ida v., b. 30 Apr., 1870.

14. Peter, b. 4 Mar., 1838. See family 12.

FAMILY NO. 4.

From Family No. i. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Thomas, Peter.

Peter Brackett was born November 7, 1756, at Morrill's corner, in
Falmouth, Me.; resided on a farm in that town until 1812, when he
removed to New Gloucester where lived his son Peter. The census
of 1 790 shows in his family two males under the age of sixteen years
and three females, of whom his wife was one. The census of 1800
discloses members of his family as follows: males, two under the age
of ten years; two between the ages of ten and sixteen years; one be-
tween the age of sixteen and twenty-six years; himself not yet forty-
five years old; and one over the age of forty-five years; the latter was
his father Thomas, whose wife was deceased at that time; females,
two under the age of ten years; two between the ages of ten and six-
teen years, and his wife. The census of 18 10 shows an addition to
his family of three daughters.

Peter Brackett was a soldier in the Continental army. In his
application for pension, made in 1832, is set forth his several terms of
service during the War of the Revolution. Enlisted in May, 1777, in
Captain Abner lyowell's company for nine months which he served;
stationed at Falmouth. Reenlisted at Falmouth April i, 1778, as a
private in Captain Jesse Partridge's company, joined Colonel John
Greaton's regiment and soon after went to White Plains where he
was stationed; discharged November 30, 1778; "eight months service
at North river with Falmouth volunteers," as the published record
reads. The claim was allowed and pension was paid him to his
death October 27, 1834. He married February 4, 1784, Sarah
Sawyer; she survived him several years and was herself a pensioner;
her claim was filed in 1738. John Brackett of Harrison, Me., testi-
fied by affidavit that he was "77 years old last April" (1838); that
Peter Brackett was his cousin, "saw him married to Sarah Sawyer,
daughter of my cousin Anthony Sawyer, late of Falmouth." John
Sawyer, brother of Sarah, testified to Peter Brackett having lived in
that part of Falmouth, which became a part of Westbrook. Sarah
testified to the date of her marriage and that the ceremony was per-

THOMAS, OF MORRILL'S CORNER 189

formed by the Rev. Mr. Thomas Brown. The claim was allowed,
and pension was paid to her until her death. She was daughter of
Anthony, who was son of Isaac, the first husband of Sarah Brackett,
daughter of Zachariah (see chap. 6). Issue:

1. Hannah, mar. 29 Nov., 1810, Merrill Berry; resided in Gray,
Me.; had son Samuel.

2. Daniel; this son is mentioned by Sarah Brackett, daughter of
Peter, Jr., of whom she said, she remembered nothing except his
name.

3. Peter, Jr., b. 27 Feb., 1788. See family 13.

4. Zachariah, b. 16 Mar., 1790. See family 14.

5. Nathaniel, b. in Mar., 1792. See family 15.

(). Olive, b. in 1794; mar. (intention pub. 24 Dec, 1720) John
Bailey of Morrill's corner; d. 22 Apr., 1872. Children, Charles,
mar., had four children; Brackett; Susannah, mar. Roberts, resided
in Deering, Me.; Emeline, mar. Leonard Burnham, resided in Deer-
ing; Marcena; Edward, who resides in Deering.

7. Sophia, mar. James Thompson; lived in Gorham, Me.; she d.
27 Mar., 1874. Children, James; Leonard.

8. Harriet, mar. William Thomas; resided in Oxford, Me.
Children, Newell of Oxford, Me.; Angeline.

9. Susan, mar. Stetson Kenney; lived in Deering, Me. Children,
Freeman, who mar. Ellen Mason, resides in Deering; Julia who
mar. Joseph Brown; Georgie; Marcia, who mar. Buck of Deering.

10. Mary, b. 9 Sept., 1804; mar. 15 Nov., 1828, William Crockett,
b. 25 Oct., 1806, d. 4 Sept., 1869, son of Simon and wife, Nancy
Marston; d. 17 Aug., 1888. Issue:

1st. George W., b. 23 Apr., 1830; house painter in Gorham;
mar. Eliza Newcomb; d. 22 Dec, 1892. Children, George H. o
Maiden, Mass.; Albert; Alfred, dec.

2nd. William, b. 13 May, 1831; was a carriage maker; mar. in
i860, Maria Kemp of Groton, Mass.; killed 29 Oct., 1863, at the battle
of Lookout Mountain. Child, Ella, dec.

3d. Silas, b. 13 Mar. 1833; d. 20 May, 1840.

4th. Edwin, b. 21 Feb., 1835; mar. 16 May, 1857, Susan White-
house; d. 7 Oct., 1896. Child, Charles E., dec.

5th. Sarah A., b. i Apr., 1837; d. 16 Sept., 1839.

6th. Frank, b. 18 Sept., 1838; mar. Harriet French; resides in
Woodfords, Me. Children, Ida E., who mar. Charles Billings; Carrie
E.; EUaF.; Eva M.; Minnie B.

7th. Martha A., b. i May, 1841; d. 2 June, 1842.'

8th. Mary, b. 18 Apr., 1843; mar. 26 May, 1869, Eben R.
Meserve of Limington, Me., son of Solomon and wife, Harriet N,
Roberts; residence, Cumberland Mills, Me. Issue:

I. Cora B., b. 12 Jan., 1873; d. 30 Sept., 1873.

II. Mattie Ella, b. 8 Mar., 1875; mar. 12 Aug., 1896, Otis
Grafton, of Westbrook, Me.

9th. Martha, b. 28 Apr., 1845; mar. 27 Nov., 1869, JamesL.
Moulton, house painter, of Gorham, Me., son of Zelotus and wife,
Weeks.

10th. Charles, b. 29 Mar., 1847, mar. 6 Sept., 1868, Esther M.
Plummer of Woodfords, Me. Child, Fred R., b. 29 Aug., 1874.

190 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

11. Lois, mar. Nathaniel Doughty, who d. 28 Dec, 1885; she
d. 16 Jan., 1886; resided in South Gray, Me. Children, Albert H.,
who mar. Mary E. Simpson; Abbie P., who mar. Isaac Bagnall;
Mary T., who mar. Albert F. Colley. and had, Herbert L., Eugene
H., Grace M., who d. 20 Aug., i8q6.

SEVENTH GENERATION.

1

FAMILY NO. 5.

From Family No. 2. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Thomas, John S., John.

John Brackett, Jr., was born July 17, 1788, in Falmouth, Me.;
he lived in Falmouth until 1825, the most of the time on a farm near
Pride's bridge; this farm formerly belonged to his father, and John
Brackett acquired it b}' purchase and inheritance. In 1825, he sold
it and removed to Brunswick. In that town he purchased a tract of
land which was nearly all forest, but a few acres having been cleared.
On this farm he lived until his death. September 30, 1871, a period
of fort3'-five years. The house, built prior to purchase of the farm,
is 3'et standing, and has been occupied continuous!}' until during
recent years. In earh' life, he followed shoe-making; as was the
custom, went from house to house and made the shoes a family
needed. In Brunswick, he was engaged in getting out timber for
ship-building, lumbering, and chiefly in clearing and breaking his
farm. Married about 1812, Fanny Cobb, born February 15, 1792, in
Windham, died May 10, 1875, daughter of Joseph Cobb; he married
about 1779, Sally Pike, had children; married (2nd) Betsey (widow
of John S. Brackett), was son of Peter Cobb, he married Elizabeth
Small. Issue:

1. Levi, b. 27 Nov., 1813. See famih' 16.

2. Nancy, b. 22 Apr.. 1815; d. in Freeport, 17 Apr., 1885; mar.
II May, 1842, Willoughby Haskell Bailey, b. in Freeport, Me., 16
Sept.. 18 13, where he always lived until his death. In early life, he
bought land which he cleared for a farm, and erected the buildings
which he occupied all his life; the farm adjoins that which belonged
to his father on the road leading from Freeport to Durham; he was a
carpenter and erected many buildings in and about Freeport; he and
his wife for manj- years were members of the Free-Will Baptist
church. Issue:

]st. Levi Melvin, b. 25 Feb., 1847; mar. (ist) 5 Nov., 1870,
Georgianna F. Sydleman of Durham, Me., who d. 9 Apr., 1878;
mar. (2nd) 23 Maj', 1881, Sadie A. Kendall of Freeport. Issue, all
b. in Freeport:

I. Bertha Louise, b. 6 Nov., 1875; mar. 18 Aug., 1898, Fred
C. Blackstone.

II. Elsie Kendall, b. 3 July, 1885.

III. Helen May, b. 26 July, 1877; d. 15 July, 1897.

IV. Julia Converse, b. 4 May, 1893.

V. John Kendall, b. 21 May, 1896.

THOMAvS, OF MORRILL'S CORNER 191

2nd. Charles Emery, b. 13 Jan., 1848; mar. 24 Dec, 1877,
Mary E. Whitney, b. 13 Nov., 1861, in New Sharon; is a farmer in
Freeport. Issue:

I. Emma Maud, b. 13 June, 1879.

II. Elinor Anne, b. 15 Feb., 1885.

III. Elizabeth May, b. 17 July, 1888.

3. Mary Ann, b. 12 Sept., 1816, in Westbrook; never mar.; d,
23 Dec, 1840.

4. Silas, b. 2 Feb., 1818. See family 17.

5. Enoch, b. iS Apr., 1819, in Westbrook; d. 20 June, 1819.

6. Alexander, b. 19 Mar., 1821. See family 18.

7. John, Jr., b. 23 Jan., 1823. See family 19.

8. Abba, b. 23 Sept., 1824, in Westbrook; mar. 15 June, 1868,
Miciali Bailey, b. 9 June, 1835; was a carpenter; home, in Bruns-
wick; .she was living in 1906.

9. Roxanna, b. 26 July, 1826, in Brunswick, Me.; d. 10 May,
1890; mar. 29 Apr., 1848, Merit Sylvester of Bath, Me., b. 29 Mar.,
1823, d. 5 Jan., 1893. Issue:

1st. George Merit, b. 8 Aug., 1849, in Bath; mar. (ist) 30
Jan., 1872, Sarah E. Card, b. 5 July, 1853, d. 22 Sept., 1898, in
Brunswick, Me.; mar. (2nd) 21 Jan., .^[902, Mrs. Emily A. Barnes.
Is a farmer and milk dealer in Brunswick. Issue:

I. Fred Ernst, b. 18 July, 1873; mar. 26 Oct., 1896, Annie
M. Strout, b. 29 Apr., 1877, in Brunswick; is a paper maker in
Brunswick. Issue: George Ernst, b. i Oct., 1897; Howard Ein-
wood, b. 6 Feb., 1900; Clyde Strout, b. 24 July, 1904, d, 26 Oct.,
1904.

II. 'Ada Mabel, b. 11 Mar., 1876; mar. 23 Jan., 1895, James
E. Hackett, b. 14 June, 1872, in Brunswick. Issue: Zena May, b.
26 Feb., 1896; Alton Orville, b. i Mar., 1898; Edna Bernice, b. 21
Dec, 1900.

III. Roxanna Josie, b. 22 Sept., 1877; mar. 6 Dec, 1894,
Irving W. Estabrook, b. 25 Nov., 1874; home, in Brunswick. Issue:
Flora G., b. 14 Aug., 1896; Thomas Stearns, b. 9 May, 1889; Irving
Wild, b. 28 May, 1901, d. i Sept., 1903.

IV. George Herbert, b. 4 Dec, 1881; d. 17 Dec, 1882.
2nd. Fred H., b. 28 Apr., 1857; d. 9 May, 1865.

3d. Frank Putnam, b. 25 July, 1868; mar. Annie Maud
McCabe, b. 8 Mar., 1874, in Bath, Me. Issue:

I. Merit Brackett, b. 27 Feb., 1899; d. 28 Jan., 1904,

II. Hannah Louise, b. 3 Dec, 1901.

III. John Hamlin, b. 2 Nov., 1903.

IV. Mary, b. 8 Jan., 1906.

10. Horatio Major, b. 26 Feb., 1828; never mar.; d. 6 Oct., i860.

11. Dorcas, b. 19 Dec, 1830; mar. 14 Sept., 1851, James F.
Minot of Bowdoin, Me., b. 12 Aug., 1829, d. 12 Apr., 1854, in Bath;
she d. 5 Apr., 1856. Issue:

1st. James Orizave, b. 4 Dec, 1852; mar. 5 Dec, 1885, Rose
,A. Holbrook, b. 23 Feb., 1861, in Bowdoin; is a mason in Bruns-
wick. Issue:

I. Edith A., b. 5 Sept., 1889.

12. Francis, b. 29 Mar., 1833; d. 7 Apr., 1833.

192 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

FAMILY NO. 6.

From Family No. 3. Descent: Antlionj^ Anthony, Zachariah,
Thomas, William, William.

William Brackett was born December 5, 1787, in Falmouth, Me.;
married (ist) August i, 1810, Mary Pride; (2nd) July 15, 1814,
Dorothy Bailey, 7iee Ried. For many years he lived in the town of
Westbrook, Me.; was the owner of real estate of considerable value,
and an enterprising business man. He died May 21, 1851. Issue:

1. Williard, b. 22 Feb. ,'1815, See family 20.

2. Maria, b. 5 Jan., 1817; mar. June, 1843, John Parsons, a
merchant, of Augusta, Me. She d. 12 Feb., 1862. Issue:

1st. Maria, b. in 1844; residence, Augusta, Me.

2nd. John, b. in 1846; was mar.; he d. in 1899. Issue:

I. Gertrude, b. in 1875; mar. Elliott C. Dill.

II. Williard H., b. in 1878.

3. Dexter W., b. 15 Sept., 1825; mar. Mrs. Rebecca H. Angus,
b. 7 Sept., 1833. He died 5 Dec, 1878. Issue:

1st. Albertine P., b. 6 Apr., 1865; school teacher in Portland.

FAMILY NO. 7.

From Family No. 3. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Thomas, William, Simeon.

Simeon Brackett was born January 2, 1798, in that part of the
town of Falmouth which is now Westbrook; married January i,
1819, Annie Forbes, born December, 29, 1798, in Woodstock, Me.,
died January 6, 1875; removed to Peru, Oxford county, Me., where
he died March 5, 1846; was a farmer. Issue:

1. Hannah A., b. 26 Feb., 1820; d. 6 July, 1899; mar. (ist) 30
Oct., 1842, John H. Morse of Norway, Me., who d. 10 May, 1854;
(2nd) ID Aug., 1857, Isaiah Bonney, b. in 1806, in Casco, Me., d.
2 June, 1882, son of Isaiah; resided in Mechanic Falls, Me. Issue:

1st. Georgianna, b. 20 Dec, 1843; d. i Feb., 1844.

2nd. John D., b. 3 July, 1845; mar. 21 July, 1877, lyizzie .

Issue:

I. Guy B., b. 6 Feb., 1880; mar. 23 Nov., 1904, Charlotte
E. Joscelyn.

II. M. Vincent, b. 12 June, 1883; mar. 10 Sept., 1904, Susie
B. Berry; had Blanche M., b. 4 Jan., 1906.

III. John D., b. 20 Feb., 1893.

3d. Willard Emory, b. 6 Aug., 1847; is dec.
4th. Charles H., b. 31 Aug., 1849; mar. in 1871, Laura I.
Abington. Issue:

I. Bertha, b. about 1873; mar. Arthur Ileff; had Arthur. Jr.,
b. 15 July, 1897.

II. Gertrude, b. about 1882; mar. 20 Dec, 1902, Eewis
Robinson.

III. Jessie, b. about 1886.

5th. George A., b. 12 July, 1852; mar. Hannah Foster, who d.
in 1900; had four children.

6th. Helen F., b. 2 Mar., i860; resides in Boston; supplied
data relative to descendants of her mother.

THOMAS, OF MORRILL'S CORNER

193

7th. Clarence W., b. 31 Oct., 1861; d. 22 Mar., 1875.
8th. Augustus ly., b. 15 Jan., 1863; d. 26 May, 1889.
9th. Hattie E., b. 11 May, 1864; mar. 14 Aug., 1889. Frank
Conklin; home, in Wallingford, Conn. Issue:
I. Alverton, b. 23 May, 1893.

2. Sybil, b. 21 Dec, 1821; never mar.; d. in Biddeford.

3. Willard, b. 4 Feb., 1823'; never mar.; was killed in a mill.

4. Nancy H., b. 10 Nov., 1824; mar. Whitney. No issue.

5. Alvarado D., b. 25 Sept., 1826; left home when a boy and was
never heard from.

6. Betty F., b. 21 Nov., 1828; d. 20 Oct., 1898; mar. 12 Mar.,
1850, Mark Wight, b. 29 Mar., 1814, d. 17 Aug., 1878, in Baker
township, Kansas. Issue:

1st. Carolyn K., b. 14 Aug., 1852; mar. i Jan., 1870, Ellis R.
Stone of Otisfield, Me. Issue:

I. Ellis Alfred, b. 27 Jan., 1872; mar. 29 Jan., 1893, Alice
B. Jackson. Children are Hazel M., b. 18 Apr., 1896; Theodore
Roosevelt, b. 9 Aug., 1902.

II. Harry Melville, b. 4 Aug., 1875; mar. 26 Oct., 1903,
Delia M. Lesan.

III. Euella Myrtle, b. 2 June, 1878; mar. 26 June, 1895,
George A. Dingley; have Alice Marie, h. 12 Aug., 1903.

2nd. Samuel Willard, b. 28 Jan., 1855.

3d. Margaret Jane, b. 18 Nov., 1858; d. 5 Dec, 1862.

4th. Albert Eeslie, b. 20 Dec, 1867.

7. Charlotte S., b. 15 Aug., 1829; mar. Edwin A. Lane; d. 19
May, 1 901. Issvie:

1st. Eli7,abeth, who mar. George T. Smith. Children are
Grace L., Ethel M., Harriet E.

2nd. Morella M., who mar. Wallace Tuttle. No issue.
3d, Evalina A., who mar. Fred S. Chase; have Walter E.

8. Bertha, b. 12 Dec, 1833; mar. John Hackett; is dec. She
mar. again. Issue by Hackett:

1st. Myrtie, who mar. and has one child.
2nd. Lillie, is mar.

9. Samuel B., b. 4 Apr., 1840; mar. (ist) 23 Feb., 1870, Mary
F. Smith, dau. of Freeman B. and wife, Louise Babcock, of Mexico,
Me.; (2nd) 18 July, 189-, Josephine Watson, Jire O'Brien, Mr.
Brackett served in company B, 5th Me. vol. infantry from 27 Apr,,
1 86 1, to 27 July, 1864; had skull fractured while in line of duty; by
profession was a lawyer; for several years was in the civil service of
the Government as an employe in the Pension bureau; d. 16 June,
1900. No issue:

10. Miriam, never mar.; is dec.

FAMILY NO. 8.

From Family No. 3. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah^
Thomas, William, Seth,

Seth Brackett was born December 18, 1800, in that part of the
town of Falmouth which is now Westbrook, Me.; married Nancy
Stairbird of Scarboro, born October 11, 1810, died April i, 1867.

194 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

With his father, Mr. Brackett, in 1815, went from Westbrook to
Oxford count3\ He lived in Dixfield; was a farmer; died Septem-
ber 3, 1875. Issue:

1. Ehnira, b. about 1827; mar. Charles E. Chubb; lived in Dix-
field, Me., where she d. about i860. Issue:

1st. Elizabeth E., b. about 1848.
2nd. Charles E., b. about 1849.
3d. Neville, b. about 1855.

2. Dwinal, b. 12 Nov., 1830. No further record.

3. Leonard, b. 7 Jan., 1837. See famil}' 21.

4. Henry W., b. 14 Apr., 1843. See family 22.

FAMILY NO. 9.

From Family No. 3. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Thomas, William, Thomas.

Thomas Brackett was born June 10, 1809, in Westbrook, Me.;
at the age of six years, with others of his father's family, went to
Peru, Me. He married August 2, 1835, Emma Cobb, born in West-
brook, Me., July 8, 1813; is deceased. He returned to Westbrook,
where he died February 22, 1855; by trade was a stone cutter. Issue:

1. Mary A., b. 4 Mar., 1839, in Peru, Me.

2. Angelina, b. 4 Mar., 1839, in Peru, Me.; mar. Hodsdon.

3. Amanda R., b. about 1843.

4. Marilla M., b. 3 Apr., 1848, in Westbrook, Me.; mar.

Randall.

5. William C, b. 30 Oct., 1847. See family 23.

FAMILY NO. 10.

From Family No. 3. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Thomas, William, Amos S.

Amos Smith Brackett was born May i, 1825, in Peru, Me. His
first employment was driving stage; later he worked at boiler-making;
served on the police force of Biddeford, and at one time was its cap-
tain. During the civil war he was in Springfield, Mass., for three
years, and worked for the Government in its armory. For over forty
years he was employed in cotton mills, generally in the capacity of
watchman, and for a great part of the time in Saco, which city was
his residence at the time of his death. At one time he lived in Lew-
iston. Me. By his habit, at night, of closely observing the heavens,
be became able quite accurately to forecast the weather, and fre-
quently made his predictions differing from the reports of the weather
bureau with .the satisfaction in the end of knowing that he had fore-
told correctly what the weather would be. In the year 1895, after
sixteen years continuous service as night watchman in the York
mills, he retired. While health permitted, his pleasure was the car-
ing for a small garden, in which he took much pride. His contin-
uous faithful service won him numerous friends; his memory will be
cherished longer by them than he spent years on duty during his
life. In the summer of 1900, he entered the Maine General hospital
at Portland, for treatment. The amputation of a leg became neces-
sary, was performed, and his death resulted July 13th, He was

THOMAS, OF MORRILL'S CORNER 195

united in marriage with Hannah K. Tibbetts, in Biddeford, April i,
1850; she was born in Berwick, Me., May 23, 1828, died March 29,
1904, daughter of John Tibbetts and wife, Anna Hussy. Issue:

1. Annie Marcenia, b. 7 Jan., 1851, in Biddeford, Me.; mar. 11
Nov., 1876, in Biddeford, George Allen Haley, b. 22 Apr., 1851, son
of William; he was b. 1825, d. 1875, mar. Olive E. Gatchell, was a
shoemaker of Saco, was son of William; he was b. 1793, d. 1883, mar.
Betsey Bryant, was a farmer of Saco, soldier in war of 181 2, son of
Joseph; he was b. 1762, d. 1845, mar. Jemima Tarbox, serv^ed in War
of Revolution, son of W^illiam; he mar. Rachel Edgecomb, was of
Saco, son of Benjamin; he mar. Susanna, d. at Eouisburg, 1745, was
son of Thomas; he was b. in 1635, mar. Mary West, killed by Indians
in 1724. Mr. Haley has resided in Maine, Massachusetts, and Kan-
sas; in 1902, removed to California; now resides in San Diego, where
he is a restauranteur. Issue:

1st. Herbert Brackett, b. 30 June, 1889, in Carmi, Kansas.

2. Mindora Idella, b. 4 Oct., 1859; mar. 24 June, 1882, Diamond
Smith, Jr.; home, in Saco. Child, Ida Miriam.

3. William Randall, b. 11 Mar., 1861. See family 24.

4. Frances Ella, b. 14 Dec, 1862; mar. Ed. Milliken; home in
Saco. Children, Fred L.; Hattie; Ruth H.; Arline M.

5. Loretta Mariah, b. 24 Feb., 1865; -mar. (ist) James Thompson;
(2nd) Joseph Torr5^ Children by 2nd husband: Ralph; Josie May;
Sybil.

FAMILY NO. IL

From Family No. 3. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Thomas, William, Charles W.

Charles W. Brackett was born in Peru, Me.; is an overseer in
dressing room, cotton factory; married Mary Stone of Cornish; re-
sides in Fall River, Mass.; formerly resided in Biddeford and Cor-
nish, Me. Served in 7th Me. vol. inf. Issue:

1. Etta; mar. Josiah W. Bridges of Biddeford; now resides in
Fall River.

2. Eizzie, dec. } . .

o T- -J i twins.

3. Fannie, dec. )

FAMILY NO. 12.

From Famil}' No. 3. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Thomas, William, Peter.

Peter Brackett was born in Peru, Me., on March 4, 1838; is a
machinist's helper, and resides in Biddeford, Me.; formerly resided
in Westbrook and Old Orchard, Me. He married December 23,
1865, Elizabeth J. Merrill, born March 20, 1841, daughter of William
T. and wife, Olive J. Goodwin, of Pine Point, Me.; enlisted April 26,
186 1, into company B, 5th Maine volunteer infantry, in which he
served for three years; re-enlisted in the field, was transferred to
company B, ist Maine veterans, in which he served until June, 1865.
His father was a soldier in the War of the Revolution. Upon tracing
his line of descent, it will be found that all of his forefathers by the
name of Brackett were soldiers, two of whom were killed; whose
respective service, with the exception of that of the immigrant, is set

196 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

forth in this work. Mr. Brackett moves as quickly as a man of
twenty-five years, and he looks to be about the age of forty-five. He
is of dark complexion, medium height, spare build, and is quick
spoken — a man who has nearly completed his three score years and
ten, with the activity and appearance of one in the prime of life.
Twent)' years hence he will be with us to speak at our family
reunions, and be pointed out as one who served in the Civil War
and whose father served in the War of the Revolution. Issue:

1. Eva May, b. 17 Jan., 1874; mar. 25 Dec, 1894; T. W. A.
Smith.

FAMILY NO. 13.

From Family No. 4. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Thomas, Peter, Peter, Jr.

Peter Brackett, Jr., was born February 27, 1788, in what was
then a part of Falmouth, Me. Probably as a member of his father's
family he went to New Gloucester, Me., in 181 2, where he continued
to reside during his life, engaged in farming. He married January
13, 1817, Polly Haskell, born June i, 1799, died December, 20, 1876.
Mr. Brackett died December 12, 1868. Issue:

1. George, b. 18 Jan., 1820. See family 25.

2. Benjamin, b. 10 Oct., 1821. See family 26.

3. Mary Jane, b. 12 Feb., 1824; d. 29 Sept., 1827.

4. Peter, Jr., b. 20 Dec, 1825; d. 4 Oct., 1827.

5. Job, b. 7 Sept., 1827. See family 27.

6. John, b. 7 Aug., 1829; lived in Nevada city. Col.

7. Mary, b. 9 Oct., 1831; mar. 30 Apr., 1858, Joseph C. Brown,
who d. in 1895. Issue:

1st. George E., b. in 1858.

2nd. Tena, b. in i860; d. in 1881.

3d. William, b. in 1862.

8. Charles, b. 28 June, 1833; address not known.

9. Louisa Howard, b. 4 Dec, 1835; mar. 10 Jan., 1857, Samuel
S. Halowell, b. 11 Feb., 1832, son of Ralph and wife, Sarah Smith.
Mr. Halowell is a machinist and resides in Cumberland Mills, Me.
Issue:

1st. Carrie B., b. 2 May, 1862; mar. 6 Dec, 1878, Ed. Ander-
son; resides in Westbrook. Issue:

I. Alice Louise, b. 28 May, 1880.

II. Harry William, b. 21 Dec, 1882.

III. Mary Ethelene, b. 31 Oct., 1888.

IV. Joseph Brown, b. 25 June, 1891.

V. Elmer Donald, b. 29 Oct., 1895.

2nd. Alice G., b. 6 Oct., 1865; mar. in 1884, John R. Peterson;
resides in Portland. Issue:

I. Ina Mildred, b. 29 Nov., 1885.

II. Clarence; is dec.

3d. George H., b. 10 Apr., 1866; mar. 4 Feb., 1893, Mary
Osgood of Gray, Me; resides in Westbrook, Me. Issue:

I. Otis, b. in 1895.

II. Elmer Eugene, b. in 1898.

THOMAS, OF MORRILL'S CORNER 197

4th, S. Elizabeth, b. 29 Jan., 1868.

5th. Howard, b. 17 Apr., 1870; mar. 10 Sept., , I^izzie H.

Berry of Fairfield, Me.

6th. Ida G., b. 10 Nov., 1872; mar. 30 Apr., 1891, Frank
Elwell; resides in Westbrook. Issue:

I. Gertrude E., b. in 1892.

II. Ira Joyce, b. in 1895.

Tth. Eva, b. 13 Feb., 1875; mar. in 1895, Arthur Jordan;
resides in Westbrook. Issue:

I. Ella Eouise, b. in 1895.
8th. Charles H., b. 23 Jan., 1877.
10. Thomas Johnson, b. 11 Apr., 1839; unmar. Mrs. Eouisa H.
Halowell supplied data as to her own and her father's families; also
as to families of her children. •

FAMILY NO. 14.

From Family No. 4. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Thomas, Peter, Zachariah.

Zachariah Brackett was born near Morrill's corner, then in the
town of Falmouth, March 16, 1790. ^le probably resided with his
father until the removal of the latter to New^ Gloucester, in 181 2.
The census of 18 10 shows him and his two brothers as members of
his father's family, all between the ages of sixteen and twenty-six
years. Upon his marriage he lived for several years in, or near,
Westbrook. The census of 1 830 shows him and his brother Nathaniel,
living in Sangerville, Penobscot county; later he returned to the
locality where Deering city now is, and where he died in 1832. He
was a tin-smith. He married February 3, 18 14, Mary Cleaves, born
in 1792; died December 6, 1839. Issue:

1. Miranda, b. in 1816; mar. 10 June, 1833, Enos Brackett (see
family 10, division 3).

2. Mary Ann, b. 20 Apr., 1820; mar. (ist) Major Franklin Bar-
ton of Albion, Me.; (2nd) Jacob Shaw of China Me.; (3d) Asa
Grossman of Cato, N. Y.; d. 2 Feb., 1890. No issue.

3. Cornelius, b. 6 June, 1824. See family 28.

4. Martha H., b. 4 July, 1826; mar. Thomas Warren of Vicks-
burg, Miss.; she is probably dec.

5. Cephas W., b. 21 May, 1828. See family 29.

6. Charles, b. 1832; d. 14 Aug., 1858.

FAMILY NO. 15.

From Family No. 4. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Thomas, Peter, Nathaniel.
Nathaniel Brackett was born March 16, 1792, in Falmouth, Me.
In 1820, he was a resident of New Gloucester, and in 1830, resided
with his brother Zachariah, in Sangerville, Penobscot county, Me.
Later he lived in East Eivermore; was a farmer. He married Jan-
uary 8, 1815, Eunice Humphrey, born October 7, 1794, died January
8, 1843, daughter of Moses and wife, Ann Young. He died June 24,
1874. Issue:

198 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

1. Sarah Ann, b. 19 Sept., 1815. In 1890 and 1892 she wrote
letters, which were published in the "Deering News." They are a
standard source of authority upon the famih' genealog}' of which they
treat. She wrote with decided clearness and terseness of expression;
manifested much interest in the family history and faithfully men-
tioned the sources of authority for what she related and was not known
to her personally. The following is one of the paragraphs of her
letters teeming with information:

"My grandfather, Peter Brackett, married Sally Sawyer of Back
Cove. He moved to West Gloucester, this state, before I was born,
and I am seventy-six years of age. They both died there. He was
a soldier of the War of the Revolution. I used to hear him say that
he was one of the number who guarded Major Andre's place of
execution."

She wanted to know whether any of the old town of Westbrook
remained a town, or whether it was "all cut up into cities." She
closed her last letter with: —

"I live in the house used by Mrs. Jane Prince(?). She is one
5^ear older than I am. I was born Sept. 21, 18 15. The place is five
miles from the depot. The stage to North Auburn, Brettness' Mills
and West Auburn, goes past my door twice a day."

The task of compiling the family historj' would have been a far
easier one than it has proved, had there been more who had taken
the pains to impart what thej^ knew of it. She d. 19 Apr., 1895.

2. Melinda Jane, b. in 1817; mar. Charles Merrill; shed, in 1848.

3. Oliver, b. 19 Nov., 1820. See family 30.

4. Ivconard, b. in 1822; d. 2 Oct., 1849.

5. Sewall, b. 8 July, 1825; mar. i Jan., 1857, Eliza J. lyyon, b.
14 June, 1836, dau. of Jefferson B. and wife, Almira G. Beach; resides
in Poland, Me. Issue:

1st. Georgiana Myra, b. 22 Feb., 1861; mar. Almon Water-
house, Poland, Me.

2nd. Eugenia, b. 15 Aug., 1865; d. 2 July, 1885.

6. George, b. 2 Jul3% 1829; mar. 6 Sept., 1857, Viola Eathrop,
b. 18 Jan., 1841, dau. of Martin P. and wife, Sarah W. He served
in 2nd Maine volunteer cavalry. At New Orleans was transferred
to Farragut's fleet, w^here he served until the close of the war. Went
to California in 1852, and returned before 1861. The last j^ears of
his life were spent in Oregon; is dec. Issue:

1st. Leonard F., b. 30 Dec, 1858; served as sergeant of the
band, 6th United States cavalry, from 13 Jan., 1880, to 12 Jan., 1885.
He d. 28 Feb., 1897.

7. Charles Edwin, b. 3 Sept., 1832. See famil}^ 31.

8. Louisa Ellen, b. 12 Sept., 1835; mar. Lathrop C. Tilton; resi-
dence. Auburn, Me. Issue:

1st. Isabelle, who mar. Alvin Flagg.

2nd. Emma.

3d. Cornelia.

THOMAS, OF MORRILL'S CORNER 199

FAMILY NO. 16.

From Family No. 5. Descent: Anthon)^ Anthony, Zachariah,
Thomas, John S., John, Jr., Levi.

The Rev. lycvi Brackett was born near Duck pond in Westbrook,
Me., November 27, 1813; died in Lewiston, Me., December 29, 1890.
Years after had been removed the house where he was born, he used
to point out a cherry tree which grew in the cellar, that marked its
site; also would show a ravine across which was once stretched a
rope, the supporting cable of a suspended chair which, on rollers,
passed along and beneath it, thus making the transit of the ravine.
Topers at the tavern near by drank so long as the}' were able to keep
from falling out of the chair, and in their bouts gauged one another's
ability to stand one drink more by the test whether or not they could
cross the ravine by this aerial route.

When he was thirteen the family bought a farm in what had
been a great hemlock forest, four miles north of Brunswick village,
and this continued to be his home until his marriage.

The father was a shoemaker; in early dayS he went from house
to house making shoes for the neighboring families. He was some-
thing of a visionary, leaving the care of the land to the wife and
boys. Levi's wife first saw John Brackett in 1853, and wrote in her
diary January 3: "Mr. B.'s father is the greatest talker upon relig-
ious subjects that I ever met with; he does not seem interested in
an}' other conversation. He talks as if Heaven and its enjoyments
were his at all times and ever before him."

The mother was a good business woman, keeping poultry and
marketing the produce of the farm.

Levi united the ecstatic temperament of the father with the cool
business ways of the mother, and also developed a new trait in the
family — a love for learning. The mother thrift appeared first. As
a boy, the eldest of twelve children, he was kept busy on the farm;
but he looked out for jobs at the neighbors, and what money he got
he put into a double chest; with these savings he bought land adjoin-
ing the home property. When he came of age he worked out days
and carried on his own farm nights, one of his sisters holding the
lantern for him. He was ambitious to acquire wealth, and, at a time
of life when most men think of beginning, he had a good farm free
from debt.

He had a strong constitution and was seldom unable to work;
but when he was laid up, then the spirit of his father came upon him.
Once he ran a burnt stub into his bare foot and suffered intensely for
days; during this period he repented of his sins and sought religion.
Another time he was at a "raising;" liquor was free, and a drunken
workman let a timber fall upon his head; when the wound healed, a
white tuft of hair appeared upon the spot, a life-long mark; and
strange to say, one of his daughters grew the white lock after him.
While suffering from this accident, he resolved to quit liquor, a
strange thing to do in those days; and he decided to fit lor the min-
istry. As soon as he was able, he walked four miles to a book store,
bought a Greek grammar, and learned the alphabet on the way home.

Entering the ministry meant selling his farm and putting his
savings into an education. The great choice was not made without

200 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

a struggle: "Some time within the first three months of the year
1839, I verily believe the Lord converted my soul. Some time after
my soul was converted I was in the orchard (I do not recollect the
time of day; it was in the day time); there came a voice to me as
plain as though some one had spoken to me, Proclaim the gospel!
After this, when I was engaged in prayer, especially in secret prayer,
this sound would thrill through my soul. Finally I concluded that
it was all imagination and tried to drive it off, and thought it was
from the devil. I thought the lyord would not be so unreasonable.
And another thing, the word was not Preach; so there I picked a
flaw in it, and I put it awaj- from my mind as far as possible."

His gifts in laboring for the conversion of others, going from
house to house, led the church to give him a license to preach, Sep-
tember, 1843. The following June he received a license from the
Bowdoin quarterly meeting, which was renewed each year until his
ordination.

During the interval between his first license and his ordination,
he attended the Brunswick high school one year, and then took the
three )'ear course of the Whitestown Biblical .school; he graduated
in 1849, and in October of that year was ordained at Brunswick.

Immediately after ordination, he became pastor of a church at
Saccarappa, Maine. The church was undergoing severe trials. He
labored hard to reconcile the conflicting elements; anxiety and over
work broke down his health, and in a few months he returned to his
home with no hope of recovering his strength; but after a severe ill-
ness of three months he began to get well. By care he developed a
powerful physique and lived to preach forty years.

His next pastorate was at North Parsonsfield, then the literary
center of the Free Will Baptist denomination. Maine state semi-
nary and Bates college were not started until after Parsonsfield semi-
nar}' was burned.

In 1852, G. H. Ricker entered upon his last year as principal of
Parsonsfield .seminary, and in November of that year, Miss Nanc3'
Jane Cram of Brownfield received her diploma. Her course of study
included Sallust, Cicero, Virgil, French, Italian, Spanish, and the
mathematics, science, intellectual and moral philosophy of those
days. She, like the preacher, had won her own way, beginning to
teach when very 3'oung at a dollar and a quarter a week. She
devoted her entire energies to acquiring the best education then
within the reach of a woman in Maine. She first met the snapping
black eyes of the preacher as he was conducting a prayer meeting;
their fates were united.

A portrait of the time shows a sweetly noble woman, her left
hand holding a book, her shoulders neath' draped with an India
shawl, her well proportioned features framed in dark brown hair
parted in the middle and smoothly brought forward at the temples.
The attitude is queenly, recalling the best early portraits of Victoria;
but the face is purer, wiser. This girl who had dropped corn, bare-
foot, in the ashes of the newly burnt American forest had in her looks
some of the elusive mystery of the wildwood; yes, some of the seri-
ous sanctity of the early Italian madonnas.

He was of medium height, solid and well proportioned. His
portrait at this time shows a man of strong character; the forehead is

THOMAS, OF MORRILL'S CORNER 201

high; the abundant black hair is parted low at the side; his face
clean shaven to the tip of the chin is circled with a neatly cut black
Greeley beard; the eyebrows are vigorous; the lines of character are
strong, showing signs of illness, but the mouth is firm. The domi-
nant note is given by the piercing eyes. He, too, has a book in his
picture. On an hour-glass stand lies his Hebrew Bible. One shapely
hand lies across the damask covering so that the thumb holds down
the top of the leaf; the other hand lies flat upon the page as if to
emphasize a text.

They were married on the Christmas day after her graduation.
The two weeks following were spent in visiting the Bracketts at
Brunswick, the Baileys at Freeport, the Sylvesters at Bath, and in
attending many religious meetings. vShe naively wrote in her diary
January 12, 1853: "Returned to Parsonsfield last night; am some
weary after so long a visit, still I feel to rejoice that I visited the
East."

She had excellent qualifications for her position: she was
remarkably capable in domestic administration and economy; she
was an efficient organizer and administrator in the branches of church
work that fall to women; she was a good reader, writer and speaker,
a good singer and player. The two could carry on an interesting
devotional meeting, if need be, without- help from others.

In the fall of 1853, the young wife, though not in good health,
was called upon by the seminary authorities to organize the classes
in French, Spanish, Italian, geometry, geography, history and
astronomy; and she conducted recitations until a preceptress could
be secured. This was her last public teaching but she often had
pupils come to the house. One of the earliest recollections of her
oldest child is a certain awe and mj-stery at being in the dark as his
mother pointed out to a class of young ladies the Great Bear and
other constellations with frightful names. Many a young man and
woman got the first start toward a college education at the minister's
house.

In August, 1853, he preached his farewell sermon at North Par-
sonsfield. He then travelled some seven hundred miles in New
York and Canada, leaving his wife at her father's. His pastorates
were at Saccarappa, North Parsonsfield, East Raymond, Sandwich,
Wolfboro, Sabatisville, Bow Lake, Georgetown, Newfield, and New
Meadows. He travelled extensively as a missionary in Aroostook
and as an evangelist along the coast of Maine and northward in the
western counties of Maine and the eastern counties of New Hamp-
shire.

He was a powerful speaker, and God blessed his labors with
many conversions. He was recalled and settled a second time over
the churches at North Parsonsfield, Raymond and Georgetown. He
spoke with few notes, appealing directh' to men and women by his
knowledge of the heart. He had a good library and was in advance
of the theology of his day, seeking right living rather than the
sacredness of dogma. He was often sent for in those trials more bit-
ter than death, and leaving his affairs he travelled long journeys
in order to bind up the broken hearted. He was silent about these
things, and men and women trusted him. In reading in Mark the
promise of a hundred fold to those who leave houses and lands for

202 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

the gospel's sake, he would say, "I have more than the promise;
I have a thousand homes."

He also furnished a home to many. The Free Baptist preachers
were great pilgrims; four times a year they made journeys to the
quarterly meeting and a longer trip once a year to the yearly meet-
ing; then they often moved from one pastorate to another. On all
these journeys and many others they depended on the local preachers
for meals and lodging. One night there were at the Brackett house
twenty-one, sleeping on beds, lounges, and on the floors; it was after
midnight when some arrived with loads of goods. Many of the
children of his brothers and sisters at one time or another lived with
Uncle Levi and Aunt Jane in order to take advantage of better
schools. Toward the close of his life he made his home at Lewiston,
Maine, to be near Bates college, from which institution four of his
children graduated.

The end of his life shows an instance of his perseverance in the
discharge of duty. The last two months of his active ministry were
spent with the church at Ashdale, a coast town which he reached b}^
water. On the seventh of June, 1890, the sea was rough; but he
crossed in an open boat, getting thoroughlj^ drenched and chilled.
He began to suffer intensely from cystitis, but in spite of his age and
pain, on the following Sabbath he preached his last sermon from 2
Cor. 5:10 — "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of
Christ, that every one may receive the things done in his body
according to that which he hath done whether it be good or bad."
He then wrote in his diary, "I expect this is my last sermon." The
next day he returned to his home; he died after an illness of nearly
seven months.

Levi Brackett is buried with his parents, wife, and four of his
children at the Grousetown cemetery in Brunswick. He was a vig-
orous opponent of evil, but he loved men and did not make personal
enemies. One of the good things said at his funeral was this, "I
have known Brother Brackett for fifty years, and I have never heard
him speak evil of anj^ one."

Mrs. Brackett survived her husband seven years. She was born
in Brownfield April 12, 1827 and died in Lewiston November 6, 1897,
daughter of James Cram and wife, Dorothy Smith. Issue:

1. James R., b. i Apr., 1854. See family 32.

2. Levi Smith, b. 14 Mar., 1856; d. 15 Aug., 1856.
,'}. Levi Fairfield, b. 11 Jul}^ 1858; d. 22 Jan., i860.

4. Anna Maria, b. 18 Ma}', 1861; mar. 10 Aug., 1898, A. L. Den-
nison, b. 13 Apr., 1867, a teacher; home, in Exeter, N. H. A grad-
uate of Bates college. Issue:

1st. Theodora, b. 11 Oct., 1899, in E. Corinth, Me.
2nd. Mary Leona, b. 11 Jan., 1904, in Bath, Me.
3d. Harry Brackett, b. 22 July, 1905.

5. Harriet, b. 13 Sept., 1863; a graduate of Bates college; home,
in Lewiston, Me.

6. Jennie Cram, b. 12 Jan., 1866; d. 23 Oct., 1877.

7. Clara Frances, b. 16 July, 1868; d. 2 Oct., 1869.

8. Calvin Cressey, b. 3 Oct., 1870; a graduate of Bates college;
served as sergeant in battery A, First Maine heavy artillery volun-
teers, war with Spain; resided in Lewiston; now in Boston.

THOMAS, OF MORRILL'S CORNER 203

FAMILY NO. 17.

From Family No. 5. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Thomas, John S., John, Jr., Silas.

Silas Brackett was born February 2, 1818, in Falmouth; died in
Brunswick, January 25, 1888; he purchased a farm adjoining his
father's farm, the greater portion of which was uncleared land. He
built expensive buildings, added to his purchase and in time became
the owner of a fine property. For many years he was engaged in
lumbering, in getting out and furnishing ship timber for the Bath
market and at points along the shores of Casco bay. He was a man
of quick sensibilities, generous impulses and kind disposition; his
early training fitted him for the industrious life he led. For many
years he was a member of the Free Will Baptist church. He mar-
ried (ist) September 17, 1845, Elizabeth Bennet Field, born January
10, 1815, in Durham, Me., died January 23, 1854, daughter of
Stephen; he was born April 13, 1787, in Lewiston, d. July 9, 1820,
in Alexandria, Va., married Sally Wyman (Merrill); she was born
October 20, 1793 in Portland; was son of Samuel; he was born June
21, 1759, died January' 11, 1854; was a tanner and shoe maker in
Durham where he lived all his life; had large tannery, ground bark
in mill run by overshot wheel; married Anna Knox, born August 2,
1761, died June 21, 1845, was son of Samuel. He was born in 1725,
married Mary Warren; was a descendant of Darby Field, the first of
the line in America, born 16 10, in Boston in 1636, first European to
explore White mountains, which he did in 1642, d. in 1649; ancestry
can be traced to Roger de Field, born 1240.

Silas Brackett married (2nd) February 13, 1855, Sarah D.
Saw5'er, born March 10, 1831, in Topsham, died April 5, 1898, cous-
in of first wife, daughter of Ezra Sawyer and Sarah Field, who was
daughter of Samuel, and sister of Stephen Field. Issue:

1. George A., b. 21 Oct., 1846. See family 33.

2. John Henry, b. 31 Jan., 1849; d. 10 Aug., 1891; was a mer-
chant tailor in Brunswick; mar. 12 Jan., 1882, Hattie P. Toothaker.
Issue:

1st. John Herbert, b. 26 Dec, 1882; d. 19 Feb., 1892.
2nd. Frank Wellington, b. 17 Nov., 1890.

3. Frances Elizabeth, b. 23 Apr., 1851; d. 10 Oct., 1869.

4. Abby Anna, b. 11 Feb., 1853; d. 23 Jan., 1854.

5. Silas Wellington, b. 20 Jan., 1856; d. 24 Sept., 1906; resided
in Roxbury, Mass.; member of the G. A. and S. W. Brackett com-
pany; sergeant in the Ancient and Honorable Artillery company;
member of Boston National lancers; Old Dorchester club; Royal
Arcanum; Ancient Order of United Workmen; Highland colony of
Pilgrim Fathers; was worshipful master of Washington lodge, F.
and A. M.; member of Vernon Royal Arch chapter; Roxbury coun-
cil of Royal and Select Masters, and eminent commander of Joseph
Warren commandery No. 26, Knight Templars. Married 15 June,
1881, Emma P. Dunning, who d. 11 Jan., 1883; mar. (2nd) 25 Dec,
1895, Mrs. Bertha Arnold EHenwood.

6. Emma A., b. 30 Jan., i860; d. 7 Sept., 1898; mar. 14 Dec,
1895, Fred A. Nichols. No issue,

7. Hattie May, b. 21 Dec, 1862; home in Roxbury.

204 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

8. Sarah Gertrude, b. 12 Mar., 1868; mar. 8 June, 1893, Irving
Parker Gammon. Issue:

1st. Irving Parker, Jr., b. 11 Oct., 1895, in Boston.

9. Elizabeth Marian, b. 25 Nov., 1870; home in Roxbury.

FAMILY NO. 18.

From Family No. 5. Descent: Anthony, Anthonj'-, Zachariah,
Thomas, John S., John, Jr., Alexander.

Alexander Brackett was born in Westbrook, Me., May 19, 1821,
removed to Des Moines, Iowa, in 1864, where he died May 21, 1882.
In Maine he was engaged in quarrying, lumbering and building —
general contractor; after his removal to Iowa, he was largel}^ inter-
ested in real estate, in speculating in and developing land; was an
active business man; by instinct and training was well fitted for life
in the West. Married (ist) in 1842, Almira Loak, born in 1823 in
Addison, Me., died December 31, 1861, in Freeport, Me.; (2nd) July
24, 1862, Harriet E. Loak, who died May 8, 1892, in Des Moines,
la. Issue:

1. Mary A., b. 11 Nov.. 1843; d. in Aug., 1867, in Brunswick;
mar. Miciah H. Baile5^ No issue.

2. Alesto, b. 24 Mar., 1846, in Addison, Me., d. in Lewiston in
1865; served during civil war.

3. Andrew R., b. 13 Jan., 1848. See family 34,

4. Alice vS., b. 14 Feb., 1853; d. 10 Mar., 1898; mar. i Apr., 1871,
Isaac M. Bishop. No issue.

5. Venie Inez, b. 11 Apr., 1857; mar. 29 Nov., 1879, J. Fred
Aubens. Issue:

1st. John Fred, b. 13 Oct., 1889, in Brunswick.

2nd. Carroll Vincent, b. 3 Dec, 1896, in Freeport, Me.

6. Hattie Ellen, b. 2 Apr., 1858; mar. (ist) in Dec, 1880, George
P. Field; (2nd) 18 Dec, 1900, George Ansel Davis. Issue:

1st. Ruth Almira, b. 16 June, 1882, in Freeport, Me.

2nd. George Alesto, b. 20 Feb., 1885; in Freeport, Me.

3d. Harry, b. i Aug., 1886; d. 3 Oct., 1897.

7. Fannie M., b. 24 Mar., 1861; mar. in 1862, Wm. Hyde. No
issue.

8. Fred M;, b. 25 Nov., 1863, in Lewiston; d. 28 Dec, 1863.

9. Winfred A., b. 26 June, 1865; mar. 26 Dec, 1895, Florence
Anthony Beck. Issue:

1st. Anthony Alexander, b. 2 Feb., 1901; d. 4 Feb., 1901.

10. Miltmore J., b. 16 Sept., 1868. See family 35.

11. Jennie Maud, b. 22 Oct., 1870; mar. 14 June, 1900, Charles
Elgin Evans. Issue:

1st. Dorothy E., b. 2 Sept., 1903.

12. Edd Merrit, b. 21 Oct., 1872; mar. 31 Oct., 1893, Nora
Wykoff. Issue:

1st. Fred, b. 9 Oct., 1898.

THOMAS, OF MORRILL'S CORNER 205

FAMILY NO. 19.

From Family No. 5. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Thomas, John Snow, John, Jr., John, Jr.

John Brackett, Jr., was born in Westbrook, January 23, 1823; he
moved from Maine to New York and from the latter state to Iowa;
died in Omaha, August 29, 1867; was a mechanic; married Novem-
ber 18, 1850, Emeline Clapper, born November 6, 1836, daughter of
William and wife, Elizabeth Van Note, of New York. Issue:

1. Charlotte Dorcas, b. July 30, 1848, in Brunswick; mar. (ist)
13 July, 1868, William J. Johnstone, b. in 1848, d. in 1880; (2nd) 18
June, 1884, John E. McKillop; residence, Kansas City, Mo. Issue:

1st. Maudie E., b. 15 Aug., 1872; mar. 18 Aug., 1892, Charles
W. Blier.

2. Abbie Ann, b. 7 Aug., 1859; mar. Ernest Kelly; residence,
Bath, Me. Issue:

1st. Frank Brackett, b. 16 Aug., 1889.

3. Addie, b. 3 May, 1853; d. in Nov., 1863.

FAMILY NO. 20.

From Family No. 6. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Thomas, William, William, Willard.

Willard Brackett was born February, 22, 1815; married Decem-
ber 29, 1836, Olive Low, born in 1814; he lived in Cape Elizabeth,
was a farmer; died April 30, 1864. Issue:

1. Charles Perry, b. 8 Apr., 1838; mar. 14 May, 1863, Sarah
Frances Leighton, b. in Gorham, 22 June, 1843, daughter of Ichabod
of Falmouth and wife, Emily J. Small, of Limington. Mr. Brackett
is a locomotive engineer on the B. & M. R. R. No issue.

2. Albert S., b. 17 Jan., 1840; mar.; d. in 1893. No issue.

3. Byron B., b. 4 Apr., 1842. See family 36.

4. Helen M., b. 18 June, 1845, in Cape Elizabeth; mar. 14 Oct.,
1865, Charles E. Skillings, b. 10 July, 1844, son of Walter and wife,
Mary Jordan, of Cape Elizabeth; resides in South Portland. Issue:

1st. Alphonso H., b. 5 Mar., 1867; mar. 26 June, 1890, Sadie
Lewis. Issue:

I. Ralph Waldo, b. 24 June, 1891.

II. Mary Helen, b. 22 Aug., 1894.

III. Carl Rudolph, b. 15 July, 1896.

IV. Charles William, b. 30 Nov., 1899.

2nd. Martha C, b. 14 Aug., 1875; mar. 27 June, 1900, Charles
M. McDonald; resides in Somerville Highlands, Mass.

5. Marshal L., b. 7 Apr., 1849; d. in 1851.

(j. Willard, Jr., b. 24 Oct., 1854. See family 37.

FAMILY NO. 2L

From Family No. 8. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Thomas, William, Seth, Leonard.

Leonard Brackett was born January 7, 1837; married (ist) Feb-
ruary 19, 1866, Eliza E. Hopkins, born April 20, 1848, died March 6,
1872, daughter of Calvin and wife, Mary Hammond, of Peru, Me.;
(2nd) Jan. 27, 1874, Lucinda E. Smith, daughter of Freeman B. and

206 BRACKETT GENEALOGY j

wife, IvOiiisa Babcock; she died March 20, 1880; was building con-
tractor; resided in Dicksfield; died March 12, 1900. Issue:

1. George F., b. 9 Jan., 1876.

2. Irvnng I^., b. 23 Dec, 1879.

FAMILY NO. 22.

From Famih^ No. 8. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Thomas, WilHam, Seth, Henry W.

Henry WilHs Brackett was born April 14, 1843; married Decem-
ber 16, 1874, Lucetta M. Dolloff, born December 15, 1846, daughter
of James M. and wife, Sarah L. Gleason, of Rumford Center, Oxford
county. Me.; is a farmer; residence, Dicksfield. Issue:
1. Klaus Kyle, b. 19 Feb., 1877.

FAMILY NO. 23.

From Family No. 9. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Thomas, William, Thomas, William C.

William Cobb Brackett was born in Westbrook, Me., October 30,
1847; home, in West Somerville. Mass.; has lived in Biddeford; is a
brush-maker; married November 7, 1868, Rouena A. Randall, born
September 18, 1848, died December 13, 1888, daughter of Gideon M.
and wife, Eliza Fox, of Kezar Falls, Me. Issue:

1. Eliza Emma, b. 14 Jan., 1872; resides in Biddeford, Me.

2. Rouena N., b. 10 May, 1881; resides in Biddeford, Me.

FAMILY NO. 24.

From Family No. 10. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Thomas, William, Amos E., William R.

William Randall Brackett was born March 11, 1861; married
Frances Guilford; resides in Saco, Me. Issue:

1. Amos D.

2. Eddie.

3. Alvarado.

4. George W.

5. Samuel.

FAMILY NO. 25.

From Family No. 13. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Thomas, Peter, Peter, Jr., George.

George Brackett was born January 18, 1820; married (ist) Feb-
ruary 28, 1847, Mary Tufts, born in 1820; (2nd) Mary Gee; was a
cooper; died in 1894. Issue, by first wife:

1. John, b. in 1848; mar. Annie Alexander. Issue:

1st. Bessie.

2nd. .

THOMAS, OF MORRILL'S CORNER

207

FAMILY NO. 26.

From Family No. 13. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Thomas, Peter, Peter, Jr., Benjamin.
Benjamin Brackett was born October, 10, 1821; married (ist)
July I, 1849, Susan Tufts, born in 1828, died in 1850; (2nd) May 8,
1 85 1, Louisa Foss, born in 1825, died in 1861; (3d) Thankful Brown;
died May 31, 1892. Issue, b}^ wife Louisa Foss:

1. Walter, b. 7 Sept., 1854; mar. ( ist) 17 Nov., 1875, Alfreda
Coflfin, b. in 1857, d. in 1879; (2nd) 17 Dec, 1880, Hattie C. Chase.
Issue:

1st. Alfreda, b. 30 Sept., 1879; home at Sabbathday Lake, Me.

2. Horace, b. i Jan., 1856.

3. Charles, b. .

By wife Thankful Brown:

4. Irving, b. i Aug., 1871; d. 28 Nov., 1898.

FAMILY NO. 27.

From Family No. 13. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Thomas, Peter, Peter, Jr., Job.^

Job Brackett was born September 7, 1827; married Mary J. ,

born 1839; he died March 22, 1867. Issue:
1. MeHnda J., b. in July, 1859.
2. .

FAMILY NO. 28.

From Family No. 14. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Thomas, Peter, Zachariah, Cornelius.

Cornelius Brackett was born June 6, 1824: he married Emeline
Thompson. For several years lived in Plainville, Minn.; was hving
in 1904; has three children whose names have not been learned.

FAMILY NO. 29.

From Family No. 14. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Thomas, Peter, Zachariah, Cephas W.

Cephas W. Brackett was born in Westbrook, Me., May 21, 1828;
he has resided for many years in Jordan, N. Y.; is a carpenter and
pattern-maker; has taken much interest in the family history, and
attended the family reunion on Peak's Island. Me., in 1904. Married
March 9, 1859, Nancy Ellen Carncrans, born September 6, 1824, died
September 5, 1897, daughter of WiUiam P. Wagoner and wife, Leah
Roth. Supplied data for his own and his father's famihes. Issue:

1. Frank, b. 21 Mar., i860; d. 13 Oct., 1864.

2. Nellie M., b. 23 Sept., 1869; mar. 19 Oct., 1897, Clarence L-
Much of Jordan. Issue:

1st. Helen Dorris, b. 17 Aug., 1898.

3. Edward M., b. 21 Dec, 1861; resides in Carthage, N. Y.

208 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

FAMILY NO. 30.

From Family No. 15. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Thomas, Peter, Nathaniel, Oliver.

Oliver Brackett was born in New Gloucester, Me., November 19,
1820; lived in lyivermore Falls; was a farmer; married (ist) February
9, 1847, Catharine Knight, born in March, 1820, died in November,
1853, daughter of Merrill and wife, Rachel Buxton; (2nd) March 15,
1855, Susan P. Chase, born January 17, 1827, daughter of Josiah and
wife, Hannah Buck; died April 25, 1898. Issue:

1. Sewall, b. 14 Dec, 1847; d. in July, 1872.

2. Sarah, b. 17 July, 1849; home, in Minneapolis, Minn.; supplied
data as to her father's family.

3. Rachael Ann, b. 31 Mar., 1851; d. in May, 1858.

4. Franklin Pierce, b. 27 Apr., 1853; d. in Dec, 1853.

5. Mary E., b. 15 May, 1856; mar. 4 Jvily, 1877, Fred W. L,uce;
home. Auburn, Me. Issue:

1st. Susie Elinor, b. 15 Mar., 1892.

6. Annie C, b. 10 Sept., 1858; home, Eivermore Falls, Me.

7. James C, b. 20 Apr., 1862; home, Livermore Falls, Me.

8. Abbie F., b. 30 Oct., 1866; mar. in Nov., 1890, Edward F.
Chandler; home. East Livermore. Issue:

1st. Merle N., b. 7. Jan., 1892.

2nd. Oliver B., b. 16 Oct., 1894.

:M. Hazel May. b. 8 Jan., 1896.

4th. Hattie M., b. 18 Jan., 1898.

9. lyizzie W., b. 5 Apr., 1872; mar. in Dec, 1893, Fred A. Wen-
dell.

FAMILY NO. 31.

From Family No. 15. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Thomas, Peter, Nathaniel, Charles E.

Charles Edwin Brackett was born in New Gloucester, September
3, 1832; home, in Grafton, New Brunswick; is an electrician; married
September 13, i860. Relief B. Preble, daughter of Eevi Flint Preble
and wife, Cynthia Bean. Issue:

1. Flora Ann, b. 5 July, 1861; d. in March, 1862.

2. Frederick Edwin, b. 26 Feb., 1863; d. in May, 1863.

3. Flora, b. 28 Apr., 1864; mar. 16 July, 1895, Moses H. Mc-
Donald. Issue:

1st. Harold Eugene, b. 21 Sept., 1896.

4. Esther, b. 13 Sept., 1869.

5. Edwin Herbert, b. 8 Mar., 1872; mar. 28 Apr., 1898, Nellie
Stephens.

6. Nathaniel Eevi, b. 28 Feb., 1875; d. 26 Feb., 1877.

7. Charles Nathaniel, b. i Oct., 1879.

THOMAS, OF MORRILL'S CORNER -<^-^

NINTH CxENERATION.

; FAMILY NO. 32.

From Family No. i6. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Thomas, John S., John, Jr., Levi, James R.

James Raymond Brackett, born April i, 1854, a university pro-
fessor and public lecturer on art and literature; fitted for college at
Strafford academy and at West Lebanon academy; entered Bates
college 187 1 ; taught winter schools at Effingham, N. H., and at
Poland and Yarmouth, Me.; graduated from Bates college with degree
B. A., in 1875; received degree M. A. from the same school, in 1878.
'Principal of Foxcroft academy. Me., 1875-1878. 1878-80 made
special studies in literature and philology at Yale, under \V. D.
Whitney, Eounsbury and Beers; received the degree I'h. D. from
Yale, in 1880. Principal of high school, Montpelier, Vt., 1880-83;
principal Drury academy. North Adams, Mass., 1883; Professor of
comparative and English literature, University of Colorado, Boulder,
1884 to the present time. Joined the Church of the Redeemer (Con-
gregational), New Haven, 1880.

Author of "The Teaching of Enghsh in Colorado," "The New
Foundations of Literary Study," "Literature as Fine Art," "Wil-
liam Blake, Poet and Painter," "The Development of the Style of
Raphael," "A Tragedy in Stone: The Marbles of Michelangelo,"
"An Epic without Words: Creation, Redemption and Judgment;
Michelangelo's Frescos in the Sistine Chapel," and numerous other
lectures and addres.ses.

Married August 29, 1882, Lottie Small Rolfe. born September
20, 1 85 1, at Webbs Mills, town of Casco, Maine, daughter of William
and wife, Annie Lawrence Small, teacher in public schools at Casco,
New Gloucester, Poland, Hampden, and Auburn; preceptress of Fox-
croft academy, 1875-8: teacher in Lewiston high school 1878-80.
Issue:

1. Wilham Raymond, b. 28 October, 1884, in Auburn, Me.;
received his primary and secondary education at home, from his
father and mother. Entered the freshman class at the University of
Colorado, in 1901; this was his first going to school. Graduated
with the degree B. A., in June, 1905. Appointed First Assistant in
Physics in the University of Colorado for the years 1905-6 and 1906- 7.
Is making researches in electricity and radium. Joined the first Con-
gregational Church, Boulder, 1898. Master Mason, 1905.

FAMILY NO. 33.

From Family No. 17. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Thomas, John S., John, Jr., Silas, George A.

George Albion Brackett was born October 21, 1846, in Bruns-
wick, Me.; removed to Roxbury, Mass., where he now resides; is a
member of the well established firm, G. A. & S. W. Brackett com-
pany, masons and whiteners, on Warren street, Roxbury. Mr.
Brackett has taken a great interest in this family history and contri-
buted all data relative to descendants of John Snow Brackett. He
married, in Boston, January 8, 1874, Abbie Ann Ridley, born April

210 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

25, 1856, at Sanford, Me. Member of Washington lodge, A. F.
and A. M.; Vernon Royal Arch chapter; Roxbiiry council of Royal
and Select Masters; Joseph Warren commandery, No. 26, Knights
Templars. Issue:

1. Lila Winifred, b. 30 Mar., 1877.

2. Abbie Mabel, b. 28 July, 1879.

8. George Albion, Jr., b. 6 July, 1881; d. 23 June, 1882.

4. George Albion, Jr., b. 6 July, 1883.

5. Disa Eleanor, b. 20 Nov., i8go.

6. Hazel Maud, b. 4 July, 1892.

FAMILY NO. 34.

From Family No. 18. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Thomas, John S., John, Jr., Alexander, Andrew R.

Andrew R. Brackett was born January 13, 1848, in Addison, Me.,'
removed to Iowa; resides in Des Moines, where he is a police officer;
serv-ed in the LTnion arm}' during the civil war. Married in 1870,
Ktta M. Bishop of Durham, Me., born October 7, 1850, died March
22, 1906. Issue:

1. Carrie Winifred, b. 17 Mar., 1871, in Durham, Me.

2. Burton Alesto, b. 9 Mar., 1872, in Freeport, Me.; mar. 21
Mar., 1893, Clara Ida Plummer, b. 27 Sept., 1867. Issue:

1st. 'Mildred B., b. 27 Oct., 1897.

3. Georgia Frances, b. 13 Mar., 1873, in Freeport.

4. Samuel Woodbury, b. 11 June, 1875, in Durham; mar. 31 Oct.,
1900, Ethel Scribner, b. in Nov., 1881. Issue:

1st. Geraldine Almira, b. 11 Nov., 1901.
2nd. Haidee Ethel, b. 9 July, 1903.

5. Miner\^a Euella, b. 7 July, 1877, in Freeport.

FAMILY NO. 35.

From Famil}^ No. 18. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Thomas, John S., John, Jr., Alexander, Miltmore J.

Miltmore John Brackett was born September 16, 1868, in Iowa;
married June 21, 1891, Mabel Pauline Eovejo}^; resides in Des Moines.
Issue:

1. Guv Eugene, b. 15 July, 1892; d. 14 Feb., 1893.

2. Earl, b. 3 July, 1894.

3. Owen, b. 29 May, 189S.

4. Bruce, b. 26 Nov., 1902.

FAMILY NO. 36.

From Famih' No. 20. Descent: Anthou}^, Anthony, Zachariah,
Thomas, William, William, Willard, Byron B.

Byron B. Brackett was born in Cape Elizabeth, Me., April 4,
1842; home. South Portland; is a stationary engineer; married Juh^
31, 1864, Adelia A. McKenney, born November 2, 1846, daughter of
Charles and wife, Nanc}' Olive Wood, of Danville, Me. Issue:

1. Marshall E., b. 14 Mar., 1866; mar. 5 Nov., 1891, Jennie Hun-
newell; home, vSouth Portland. Issue:

THOMAS, OF MORRILL'S CORNER 211

1st. Elva ly., b. 14 Apr., 1892.
2nd. Adella G., b. 7 Dec, 1894.
3d. Marshall E., b. 27 Jan., 1898.
4th. Hazel I., b. 30 Sept., 1900.

2. Mabel G., b. 22 Jan., 1868; mar. i Oct., 1890, Frank M.
Moody; home. South Portland. Issue:

1st. Gladys May, b. 7 May, 1891.
2nd. Natalie M., b. 21 Oct., 1892.
3d. Edith Eeone, b. 8 Sept., 1896.
4th. Doris Evelyn, b. 2 Sept., 1899.

3. Arthur F., b. 25 Apr., 1873; d. 10 Sept., 1874.

4. Edith M., b. 29 Apr., 1875; mar. 13 June, 1900, Hiram D.
Woodbury; home. South Portland, Me.

5. Albert S., b. 15 Mar., 1877.

6. Ernest L,., b. 11 Jul}^, 1880.

7. Byron B., Jr., b. 18 Aug., 1883.

8. Herman, b. 6 June, 1888.

FAMILY NO. 37.

From Family No. 20. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Thomas, William, William, U^llard, Willard,^Jr.

Willard Brackett, Jr., was born October 24, 1854; married Nettie
-; lived in South Portland; died in 1893. Issue:

1. Philip E., b. 8 June, 1888.

2. Marion D., b. i Mar., 1890.

212 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

DIVISION NO. 6.

ZACHARIAH BRACKETT, JR., OF STEVENS"
PLAINS AND HIS DESCENDANTS.

FIFTH GENERATION.

FAMILY NO. 1.

From Chapter 6. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah, Zacha-
riah.

Zachariah Brackett, Jr., was born November 30, 17 16, in Hamp-
ton, New Hampshire, was baptized August 21, 17 19, in the church
in Hampton, and during that year with his father's family went to
Falmouth to live on the farm bordering on Back cove, which form-
erly belonged to his grandfather, Captain Anthony Brackett. The
farm which Zachariah, Jr., owned was in the part of old Falmouth
known as Steven's Plains. For a time he kept tavern, had a retailer's
license; the tavern was a half-waj^ stopping place on the road from
Stroudwater to Presumpscot Falls; it stood near the present site of
the Universalist church building and the place could be located later
than in the year 1894, by its cellar excavation. Here he settled in

1744, the year war commenced with the Indians.

As early as 1736, there were fears of a conflict with the Indians
and preparations were made by the settlers for it; in 1738, new mili-
tary companies were organized and during the winter of 1738-9, the
military forces of Maine, theretofore consisting of one regiment, were
organized in two regiments, with headquarters of one in Falmouth
and Samuel Waldo its colonel. As Zachariah, Jr., was in the twent}^-
first year of his age in 1738, he belonged to one of the company"
organizations of this regiment. The colonial law specified that all
males between the ages of sixteen and sixty years (there were per-
sons exempted) as persons to bear arms and be provided with fire-
lock musket and accoutrements, and as early as 1702, the law"
directed that the commissioned officers select at least a quarter part
of the number of their respective commands for service upon notice;
those thus selected were to be at all times in readiness for dut)^

In 1744, war commenced between France and England which
involved their respective colonies in America. The Indians in Maine,
nearly to a man, as they invariably had done before under these
conditions, took sides with their friends, the French. In September,

1745, there were disturbances near Falmouth; none of its militarj^
companies were able to overtake the Indians. In April, 1746, a set-
tlement in Gorliam was attacked and during the same month three
persons in Falmouth were killed; later two persons were killed at
Stroudwater. An Indian liad the courage to go on the Neck; "in
no war had they been more venturesome." In August one was seen
in Brackett 's swamp; ten days later the swamp was searched by a
military force. The Indians harassed the entire frontier line of set-
tlements in Maine and New Hampshire during the summer months;

ZACHARIAH, OF STEVENS' PLAINS 213

they renewed their attacks in the spring of 1747, on the settlements;
people living in Falmouth were killed and taken and their stock
destroyed. The Indians were generally pursued but managed to
elude the soldiers, the wily fellows knownng every by-path, swamp
and other hiding place. The colonial government gave a bounty of
four hundred pounds, old tenor, for every Indian killed. Stock com-
panies were organized to fit out expeditions to hunt for scalps, even
parsons invested in the stock — owned so many shares which entitled
each holder to participate in the bounty money paid for Indians
killed by the party sent out by the respective companies.

Upon the termination of war between France and England in
1749, peace with the Indians followed. The treaty with them was
signed at Falmouth in October, 1749. In December following, at
Wiscasset, in a quarrel between some whites and members of the
Canibas tribe, one Indian was killed and two were wounded. Three
of the miscreant whites who perpetrated this outrage, were lodged in
the jail at Falmouth; none was ever punished. Promptly did this
tribe, unassisted by the other Indians, renew the war and carried on
hostilities until August, 1751, when they were persuaded to confirm
the treaty.

During this eventful period of seven 5^ears, when, in the summer
months there were probabilities of attacks at any time and the foe
continuously threatened the outskirts of the settlements, the inhabi-
tants were in constant alarm and in terror for their lives; the family
of Zachariah Brackett, as did other families, during this period,
sought protection in a garrison house. He, and others of families
who were able to bear arms, were constantly called upon for service
to pursue some marauding band of Indians, and right fortunate they
were if able to overtake them.

For a period of five years there was peace with the Indians.
When making the treaty of 1749, the colonists sought to convince
the Indians that the French were no longer able to afford them pro-
tection because of losses which the French had sustained during the
war ending that 3'ear, and to persuade them to enter into an alliance
with the English; one of the provisions of the treaty was that the
Indians were to aid the English in the event of another war with the
French. Such another war commenced in 1754, between France
and England. The Indians in Maine remained quiet until 1756;
when the time came for them to act, there was no hesitancy on their
part in choosing their course. They took sides with the nation
whose policy it had been, and was, to preserve them and conserve
their interests, which considered them a people and not prey.

During the last French and Indian war the people in Maine
suffered little when is considered what they had undergone in former
wars with the Indians. In 1756, there were rumors of attacks to be
made by the Indians in small bands. The military companies of
Falmouth under the command of Captains Ilsley, Milk and Skillings
went in search of the Indians, but met with none.

"The eneni}^ afterwards (1758) made an attempt upon the fort
at Meduncook (Friendship) without being able to carry it, though
they killed and took captive eight men. Then, so far as our knowl-
edge extends, closed the scenes of massacre, plunder and outrage by
the Indians during the present war and forever." Williamson's
History of Me., Vol. II, p. 333.

21-4 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

During the last French and Indian war Zachariah, Jr., was a cor-
poral in Captain Isaac Ilsley's Back Cove company; as such his
name appears in a list of names of persons belonging to the company,
dated August i6, 1757. In this company James Merrill was lieuten-
ant, Isaac Skillings, sergeant, George Walker, drummer, and Joshua
Brackett, one of the privates on the alarm list.

Zachariah married (intention published November 7, 1742),
Judith Sawyer, a daughter of Isaac (see chapter 6); she was a tax
payer in Falmouth in 1777; survived her husband many j-ears. He
died March 14, 1776, in Falmouth. Several of his children joined in
a deed conveying his real estate; this deed was made in June, 1784;
the widow also signed the deed; the names of the children and such
other information as has been secured concerning them are given.
There were children who died prior to 1784. Issue not in order of
birth:

1. Sarah, b. 18 Oct., 1749; d. 23 Feb., 1830; mar. 24 Nov., 1769,
Captain Isaac Stevens, a Continental soldier, b. 17 Sept., 1748, d. 23
Oct., 1820; lived at Stevens' Plains. Children were Sarah; Isaac;
Molly; Zachariah B.; Nathaniel; Lucy; Josiah; William; Nabby.

2. Joseph, b. 17 Maj-. 1758. See family 2.

3. Abigail, living in 1787.

4. Susannah, mar. 6 July, 1786, Merrill Sawyer.

5. Judith, mar. Nathaniel Merrill of North Yarmouth.

6. Rebecca, mar. Joseph Wire of Livermore Falls, Me.

7. Josiah, b. about 1757; it is not known that he ever married.
Served as second lieutenant in Captain Isaac Tuckerman's compan}-.
Colonel Ebenezer Francis' regiment; marched to join regiment 8
Aug., 1776; reported "northern department;" name also in return
of officers in Colonel Francis' regiment at Dorchester heights, 13
Sept., 1776.

Served as private in Captain John Wentworth's company; name
appears in pay abstract for travel allowance, dated at Watertown 20
Aug., 1776; also ser\'ed in Capt. Wentworth's compan)-. Col. Aaron
Willard's regiment; name appears in pay abstract for travel allow-
ance from Falmouth to Bennington dated at Boston 6 Jan., 1777.
Also served in Colonel Peter Noyes' (ist Cumberland county regi-
ment) name appears in return of men of that regiment, list dated 20
Nov., 1778 who enlisted for service in the Continental army for three
years. Enlisted for the town of Falmouth, mustered by Daniel
Insley, muster ma.ster; joined Captain Silas Burbank's compan)^,
Colonel Sprout's regiment, also Col. Brewer's regiment; name
appears on pay accounts for service from 14 Feb., 1777, to 31 Dec,

1779, and from i Jan., 1780 to 24 Feb., 1780.

Served as private in Captain Joseph Pride's company. Colonel
Joseph Prime's (Cumberland count}-) regiment; enlisted 18 Apr.,

1780, discharged 6 Dec, 1780; served 7 months and 18 days at the
eastward. Also was corporal in Capt. Joseph Pride's company,
3'ear not given; reported "lame."

Name appears in return of men enlisted into the Continental
army during 1781 and 1782, 9th Mass. regiment; "unfit for the ser-
vice * * * age, 24 years; stature, 5 feet 5 inches; enlisted for the
town of Falmouth * * for three years; reported, disabled."

ZACHARIAH, OF STEVENS' PLAINS 215

This worthy man not only served in militia organizations at the
commencement of the war but also served for a term of three j-ears
in a Continental regiment; upon the expiration of said term he
returned to Falmouth, at once became a member of a militia com-
pany and was in the expedition to the eastward; joined Captain
Pride's company, re-enlisted for the Continental service and was
rejected because he was not physically fitted for the army. From
the close of the war in 1783, for many years he resided in Westbrook;
perhaps earned his living b\- days' works so long as health permit-
ted. In 1 81 8, Congress passed an act having for its object the relief
of old Continental soldiers who were in destitute circumstances.
The evidence of Josiah Brackett by affidavit before Judge Albion K.
Parris of the U. S. district court, in substance, was that he served
for six years from 1775 to June, 1783; that his regiment in the Con-
tinental army was the 12th regulars in the Massachusetts line, com-
manded by Colonel Brewer; was then (April, 1818) 62 years old;
lived in Westbrook; that he had no real estate, no personal property,
"none except the poor clothes on my back. I have no income and
am only able to walk by the help of two canes. -I have no family. I
am supported by the town."

His claim was promptly allowed; the first paj'ment was over one
hundred dollars. Certainly, pulsations-'of gladness will thrill one on
reading that this patriot's distress was relieved in a becoming man-
ner and by what was truly his own; and, no keener delight will be
felt from knowledge of a stranger long since dead having received
his due, than one must feel upon learning that into the worthy hand
of the gallant soldier, Josiah Brackett of Westbrook, was placed that
which made his old heart leap for joy, as it did when the last maraud-
ing redcoat left our shore. He died 8 Aug., 1820.

8. Daniel. See famil}- 3.

9. Thomas. See in account of life of Daniel.

SIXTH GENERATION.

FAMILY NO. 2.

From Family No. i. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Zachariah, Joseph.

Joseph Brackett was born in Falmouth, May 17, 1758; was a
farmer in Cumberland.

Served as private in Captain John Wentworth's company.
Colonel Aaron Willard's regiment; name appears in pay abstract for
travel allowance from fort Edward, where discharged, to Falmouth,
dated January 15, 1777.

Served as private in Captain Alexander McClellan's company,
Colonel Jonathan Mitchell's regiment; enlisted July 7, 1779; dis-
charged September 25, 1779; served two months and eighteen days
on expedition against Penobscot; roll dated at Gorham.

Served as private (sergeant) in Captain Jedediah Goodwin's
company, Colonel Joseph Prime's regiment, under command of Brig-
adier General Wadsworth; enlisted May 3, 1780; discharged Novem-

216 . BRACKETT GENEAIvOGY

ber 20, 1780; name appears on muster roll for May and June, 1780,
dated at Falmouth; served six months and eighteen days.

vServed as private in Captain Joseph Pride's company; name
appears in list of men of; year not given.

About the time of his wife's death in 1799, Joseph and most of
his children united with the Gorham society of Shakers. His prop-
ert}' and the farms of his wife's brothers, Thomas and Barnabas,
formed the nucleus of the property of Gorham Shaker society; it
removed to Poland Hill, Me., in 1819. He remained with the society
until his death, steadfast in its faith and true to its principles and
teachings: he died July 27, 1838, in Poland Hill, Me. In the
record of deaths of the societ}^ is the following: —

''One circumstance in connection with the death of Joseph
Brackett, Sr., is worthy of record. He was often heard to say that
he hoped to be able to work as long as he lived. When he could no
longer perform his accustomed manual labor, he wished to retire to
his room, lie down, and go like a bullet out of a gun, when there
was no person present to witness the exit of life.

True to his wish he labored diligently all day, went to his room
between 5 and 6 o'clock, and when a young sister went to call him
to his supper, his spirit had fled and his lifeless body was lying upon
the bed looking calm as if just fallen to sleep."

Married (intention published March 30, 1781), Sarah Bangs; she
died about 1798-9, was daughter of Barnabas; he was born March
II, 1728, in what is now Brewster, Mass.; removed to Gorham,
served several terms of enlistment in the War of the Revolution,
married in September, 1751, Loruhama Elwell, died January 29,
1808, was son of Ebenezer; he was born in Brewster, baptized Feb-
ruar}- 8, 1702, married December 18, 1726, Anna Sears (daughter of
Paul and wife, Mere}- Freeman, son of Paul, son of Richard, the
pilgrim), died in old age, was son of Edward; he was born in Brews-
ter, vSeptember 30, 1665, married Ruth Allen (died June 22, 1738,
aged sixty-eight), died May 22, 1746, was son of Captain Jonathan;
he was born in Plymouth, Mass., in 1640, married July 16, 1664,
]\.Iary Mayo (daughter of Captain Samuel and wife, Thomasine
Lum])kin, son of Rev. Mr. John Ma^o of Boston), died November 9,
1728, was son of Edward; he was born in England about 1592,
died in 1678, came to Pl}^mouth, Mass., on ship Aiuic, which arrived
in June, 1623, married daughter of Robert Plicks, perhaps Eydia,
who came on the A)i7ie. Issue, not in order of birth:

1. Jerusha, b. 19 July, 1783, in Gorham; belonged to the Shaker
society in Poland; d. 23 Dec, 1827.

2. Barnabas. See family 4.

o. Benjamin, who joined the Gorham Shakers; went with the
society to Poland and was a member of it in 1830. Subsequently

left the Shakers; married Harriet , b. about 1821; was a cooper

li^•ing in Denmark, Me., in 1850. Issue:

1st. John A., b. about 1847. No further record.

4. Comfort, who joined the Shakers in Gorham; d. 23 Feb., 1814.

5. Isaac, b. in Cumberland, 18 May, 1786; belonged to the
vShaker society in Alfred, where he died 9 Apr., 1819.

(). Zachariah, b. 12 Feb., 1789. See family 5.

ZACHARIAH, OF STEVENS' PLAINS 217

7. Elisha, b. 6 May, 1797; was a child when his father united
with the Shakers; himself became prominent, and d. in the faith;
was for many years bishop of the Shaker societies in Maine, and for
a longer period elder of the "family" in New Gloucester, Me.; was
a Shaker all his life from babyhood. Record of his death in the
New Gloucester family reads: —

"He was stricken with paralysis 30 minutes past 9 o'clock,
Sabbath morn, the 25th of June; died 45 minutes past 9 o'clock
in the afternoon of the immortal 4th of July 1882; aged 85 j^ears,
I month and 28 days. He lived 10 days and 6 hours without taking
any food and but very little nourishing liquids during the whole
time. 'Mark the perfect man and behold the upright for the end of
that man is peace.' "

A member of the Shaker family in New Gloucester in 1897,
wrote Mr. G. A. Brackett, of Roxbury, who, she thought, was a
descendant of a brother of Elder Joseph: —

"You are a stranger to me but it must be that you are a very
good man to be worthy of your lineage * * * Your grandfather's
brother whom you inquire about, was our Elder Joseph, a man dearly
loved by us all, one of the best men that ever lived."

FAMILY NO.' 3.

From Family No. i. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Zachariah, Daniel.

Daniel Brackett was born in April, 1757, perhaps in Falmouth;
it is certain that he was a resident of the town as early as 1776.

The compiler confesses that he has little or no authority on
which to base the parentage of Daniel Brackett, as here given.
With certainty is it known who were the children of the sons of
Zachariah, except of Zachariah, Jr. All the authority there is as to
who were his children, are the recitations contained in a deed
executed in 1784. The}' are accepted as conclusive proof that the
persons who executed that deed are Zachariah, Jr.'s, children and
their spouses. However, it cannot with certainty be inferred that
all his children signed the deed. One who may not have signed,
possibly conveyed his interest in the estate of Zachariah to one who
did sign. Conveyancing in those da3's, in Maine, was not directed
to show that all interests were conveyed by a deed quite so much as
to convey all interests. Hence, it would not be exceptional, if,
under the business methods of the time, in the making of the deed,
Daniel Brackett did not sign it, he having conveyed his interest to
one who did.

So far as is known the sons of Zachariah were soldiers; his son
Josiah was a Continental regular as was Daniel Brackett; the latter
had a son Josiah.

Nothing in addition to the foregoing can be submitted at the
present writing to show that Daniel was a son of Zachariah, Jr.

The census of 1790 shows living in Falmouth a Daniel Brackett
with a son under the age of sixteen years, and five females, probabl)'-
his wife and four daughters.

The census of 1800 shows living in the "settlement East of
Winslow" (Vassalboro), Kennebec county, Me., a Daniel Brackett.

218 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

In his house were living one male, perhaps his son, Daniel, between
the ages sixteen and twenty-six years; another male, perhaps himL
self, past the age of fortj'-five years; a female, perhaps his wif.%
between the ages twenty-six and forty-five 3^ears. In the same set*-
tlement there was a Thomas Brackett living. In his house were one
male, himself, between the ages sixteen and twenty-six years;
another male, perhaps his son, under the age of ten 5'ears; one female,
perhaps his wife, between the ages twenty-six and forty-five ^-ears,
and another, perhaps his daughter, under the age of ten years. The
census of 1810 shows residing in the plantation of Lincoln, Hancock
county. Me., a Daniel Brackett, probably son of Daniel. In his
house were one male, perhaps himself between the ages twenty-six
and forty-five 3'ears; two males, perhaps his sons, under the age of
ten 3'ears; one female, perhaps his wife, between the ages of twent3'-
six and fort3'-five 3^ears, and another, perhaps his daughter, under
the age of ten 3'ears.

The family of Daniel Brackett, Jr., in 18 10, consisted of two
.sons and one daughter who were born prior to that year; hence, it is
thought that the Daniel Brackett who, in 1810, lived in Lincoln plan-
tation was Daniel, Jr. The Daniel Brackett who, in 1800, lived in
Kennebec count3^ probably was Daniel, Sr. In his famil3' at the
time were no daughters. The Daniel Brackett who resided in Fal-
mouth in 1790, had four daughters, all of whom, if he were our
Daniel, would hardly have been married prior to 1800; the3' ma3'
have died. But it is not thought that said Daniel with the daugh-
ters, was our Daniel; he perhaps was the Daniel, son of Joshua, son
of Zachariah, Sr. Quer3': When, in 1784, the deed was executed,
was our Daniel living at a distance from Falmouth and, hence, did
not sign?

The Thomas Brackett who, in 1800, lived in the settlement east
of Winslow where then lived Daniel, Sr., perhaps was a near relative
of the latter, if not his brother; in 181 8, Daniel, Sr., and a Thomas
Brackett lived in the town of Avon, Ontario count3^ N. Y. If he
were a brother of Daniel he was too 3-oung to sign the deed in 1784.

It has not been learned with certaint3^ in what year Daniel
Brackett removed to New York, but it was probabl3' in the year
1 815, when Daniel, Jr., removed there.

As has been mentioned, Daniel Brackett, Sr., was a Continental
soldier. Under date of June 4, 1818, he executed his declaration for
pension before Stephen Phelps, judge of the count3' court of common
pleas of Ontario count3\ He set forth that he was then sixt3'-two
3'^ears old and a resident of Avon, Ontario count3', N. Y.; enlisted in
April, 1777, i^i Falmouth, Me., in Nicholas Blaisdell's compan3-.
Colonel Wigglesworth's regiment of the Massachusetts line; was dis-
charged in March or April, 1780, at Highlands, N. Y.; was at cap-
ture of Burg03'ne and in the battle of Monmouth; that he was in
reduced circumstances.

Also at same time and place Thomas Brackett of Avon, N. Y..
testified that he was well acquainted "with Daniel Brackett now a
resident of Avon" and that deponent "well recollected that Daniel
Brackett served in the Revolutionar3'- war for the term of three 3'ears
and recollects of hearing his discharge read on his return from the
service."

ZACHARIAH, OF STEVENS' PLAINS 219

In a supplemental statement made by Daniel Brackett, Sr.,
November 8, 1820, in Cattaraugus county, he set forth that he would
t?e sixty-three 3^ears old the following April; was a resident of
Orleans county; that he had a claim of $52 against his son Daniel,
Jr., for cash advanced to him; that he was formerl}^ a farmer but had
no trade at present; totally deaf in one ear and "thick of hearing"
in the other, due to small pox; no family; "make my home at pres-
ent at William Thomsons in Orleans."

The records of the War Department show that Daniel Brackett
of Falmouth (also described as of Rajaiiond and Raymondtown)
enlisted January 29, 1777; name appears in return of men enlisted
into Continental army from Capt. Joseph Dingley's compau}', Colonel
Timothy Pike's (Fourth Cumberland county) regiment, dated Octo-
ber 29, 1778; enlisted for town of Raymond; joined Capt. Nicholas
Blaisdale's company, Col. Edward Wigglesworth's regiment; also
private in Capt. Smart's company, Col. Calvin Smith's (late Wig-
glesworth's) regiment; transferred to Capt. Daniel Pillsbury's (light
infantry) company, Col. Wigglesworth's regiment. Enlisted for
three years. Name appears on Continental army pay accounts for
service from January 29, 1777 to December 31, 1779; on muster
return dated Camp Valley Forge, February 5, 1778; on muster roll
for May, 1778, dated at Camp Valley -Forge, "reported on fatigue
duty;" on muster roll for June, 1778, dated at Camp Greeage,
"reported sick in flying camp;" on muster roll for March and April,
1779, dated Providence, R. I.; on pa}' roll for October, 1778, sworn to
at Providence. Mu.stered by Major Inslow, muster master.

It is not known who was the wife of Daniel Brackett, Sr. Issue:.
1. Daniel, b. 14 Mar., 1784. See family 6.

SEVENTH GENERATION.

FAMILY NO. 4.

From Family No. 2. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Zachariah, Joseph, Barnabas.

Barnabas Brackett was born about 1790, in Gorham, Me., died
in 1872; in his younger days was a Shaker; married Polly Howard, a
sister of Judge Joseph Howard of Portland; resided in Denmark,
Oxford county; was a lumberman and a man of considerable property.
Issue:

1. Frances Jane, mar. Albion Keith Parris Grant, b. in Sept., 1822;
was his second wife; she mar. (2nd) Hamlin. Issue:

1st. Mary H. Grant, b. about 1849; mar. Hewitt Chandler;
home, in Rock, Mass.

2. Mary Reed, d. at the age of 44 years in San Francisco; mar.
James H. Deering.

3. Henry Wallace, d. at the age of 18 years.

4. Austin, d. in infancy.

220 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

FAMILY NO. 5.

From Family No. 2. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Zachariah, Joseph, Zachariah B.

Zachariah Bangs Brackett was born February 12, 1789, in
Cumberland, Me.; resided in Westbrook; was a contractor and build-
er, merchant and dealer in real estate; was an active, energetic busi-
ness man, full of enterprise and venture; bought and sold farms ex-
tensively; died October 6, 1840. Married Abigail Read, born
December 25, 1789, died January 30, 1847, daughter of Jonathan and
wife, Dorothy Blake. Issue, all born in Westbrook:

1. Enieline, b. 19 Feb., 1810; d. 20 Feb., 1810.

2. Sarah, b. 7 Mar., 1811; d. 2 Apr., 1811.

3. Leonard, b. 2 May, 1814; mar. Martha Low; d. 16 Dec, 1834.
Widow married Albert Harding and moved West.

4. Ona C, b. 16 Feb., 1817. See family 7.

5. Sewall, b. 9 Feb., 1819. See family 8.

0. William Tyng Smith, b. 2 Aug., 1824; mar. 23 Feb., 1857,
Nancy Mahew of Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard; was a physician, a
graduate of Harvard Medical school; practiced at Edgartown and at
Olneyville, R. I.; was in Westbrook in 1850; died at Olneyville,
17 Oct., 1862. His widow d. in Edgartown in July, 1-87 1. Issue:

1st. Annie Leonard, b. 10 Feb., 1858; d. 22 Oct., 1858.

FAMILY NO. 6.

From Family No. 3. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Zachariah, Daniel, Daniel.
Daniel Brackett was born March 14, 1784, in Falmouth, Me.
The date of his birth is taken from a Bible record. He was an only
son, if not an only child. Perhaps lived for a time (1800) in his
youth in settlement east of Winslow (perhaps Vassalboro) in Kenne-
bec county; after marriage (1810) lesided in plantation of Lincoln in
Hancock county; removed to Orleans county. New York; was there
in 1819; settled on land in the town of Clarendon. A Christian min-
ister; gave land for the church site and was one of the prime movers
in the erection of the church building. Died in 1865. Married June
5, 1804, Lydia Whitney, born August 17, 1784, died in 1871, daugh-
ter of Rev. Elias Whitney. Issue:

1. Levi, b. 10 Mar., 1805. See family 9.

2. Reuben C, b. 2 Dec, 1806. See family 10.

3. Mary, b. 28 Jan., 1809; d. in infancy (?).

4. Daniel, b. 12 Nov., 1810; d. young, unmarried.

5. Joanna, b. 25 Feb., 1813; died in infancy.

6. John, b. 2 May, 1815. See family 11.

7. Rufus, b. 15 May, 1817. See family 12.

8. Josiah, b. 13 Sept., 1826. See family 13.

9. Lydia, b. 4 Mar., 1830; mar. Edwin Mitchell. Issue: Dan-
iel; Alonzo; Melissa; Louisa; Helen.

10. Polly, b. in 1809 (perhaps was same as Mary, No. 3 above); d.
24 Oct., 1883; mar. about 1825, John Hogle, b. in 1804; d. in 1888,
son of Elisha, was a farmer. Issue:

1st. EUsha, who mar. Emeline Clark; resides in Stewart,
Minn. Issue: John C; Byron; Merton; Dora; and another.

ZACHARIAH, OF STBVENvS' PI^AINS 221

2nd. Lydia H., mar. Asher J. Barrett; is deceased; son A. G.
Barrett, resides in Blackwell, Oklahoma.

3d. Samantha H., b. about 1835; d. about 1845.

4th. Blias H., mar. Emeline Coley; is dec. Issue: Fred;
Francis; Alta. Widow resides in Versailles, N. Y.

5th. Adelaide H.; mar. Oliver Fullington; home, in Warsaw,
N. Y. No issue.

6th. Susannah H., b. 27 June, 1847; single; d. 16 Mar., 1891.

7th. John Brackett, b. 18 Mar., 1853; mar. 5 May, 1893, Grace
B. Hall; resides in Hume, New York.

EIGHTH GENERATION.

FAMILY NO. 7.

From Family No. 5. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Zachariah, Joseph, Zachariah B., Ona C.
Ona Carpenter Brackett was born February 16, 18 17; married
Ellen D. Low, born in 1820, sister of Martha; he was a tin-plate
worker, resided in Westbrook in 1850; went to Pennsylvania, thence
to Illinois, where he died July 15, 1852. - Issue:

1. Charles Dingley, b. about 1845; was drowned when a young
man.

2. Leonard, b. about 1848; no further record.

3. Ida, b. in Dec, 1849.

4. Ellen (not sure of name).

FAMILY NO. 8.

From Family No. 5. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Zachariah, Joseph, Zachariah B., Sewall.
Sewall Brackett was born February 9, 18 19; married September
10, 1843, Melinda Cobb, daughter of Enoch and wife, Betsey Brackett,
see page 186; was a worker in tin-plate; lived in Westbrook; died
April 21, 1880. Issue:

1. Abbie Elizabeth, b. 15 July, 1844; mar. 13 Jan., 1870, George
Stackpole, son of Charles A. and wife, Mary Merrill; home, on Brack-
ett St., Westbrook. Issue:

1st. Alice D., b. 19 July, 1871, in Gorham, Me.
2nd. Abbie L., b. 25 Apr., 1873, in Westbrook.

2. Marietta Smith, b. 19 July, 1846; mar. (ist) 21 Dec, 1867,
Charles A. Stackpole, brother of George; mar. (2nd) 8 June, 1876,
[>eorge H. Raymond, son of Jonas and wife, Mary. Issue by first
tiusband.

1st. Lucy R., who d. in infancy.
2nd. Mary Read.
Issue by 2nd husband:

3d. Fannie Boothby, b. 15 July, 1878.

4th. Marion M., b. 7 Nov., 1883; d. 10 Sept., 1884.

3. Ellen Louise, b. 9 Dec, 1854; mar. in Sept., 1883, Frank J.
Dana, son of Luther, of Portland; d. 24 Aug., 1894. Issue:

1st. Marion Pickford, b. 27 Jan., 1887.

4. John Sewall, b. 8 Nov., 1859; d. 18 Sept., i860.

222 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

FAMILY NO. 9.

From Family No. 6. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Zachariah, Daniel, Daniel, L,evi.

Levi Brackett was born March lo, 1805, in Portland, Me.; was
reared in Orleans county, N. Y.; was a farmer in New York; died
about 1842; married Lucina Ritter, born about 1806, died in 1882.
Issue:

1. Nathaniel, is dec; mar. Laura Mitchell, who is dec; lived in
Clarendon, N. Y.; had three children, the oldest a son. Welcome:
there was another son who lived and died on his father's farm.

2. Abigail, mar. Otis Coy; (2nd) Joseph Doubleday; she is dec:
had children, Alonzo; dau. Lucina, and another.

3. Daniel, is dec; mar. in Gaines, Mich., Mary Jane Rusco; no
issue.

4. Levi, b. i Mar., 1833. See family 14.

5. Solon, b. 28 Sept., 1837. See family 15.

FAMILY NO. 10.

From Family No. 6. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Zachariah, Daniel, Daniel, Reuben C.

Reuben C. Brackett was born December 2, 1806, in Portland,
Me.; was reared in Orleans county, N. Y.; a farmer in Niagara
county, N. Y.; died February 2, 1888; married Lovina Weaver, who
died in September, 1848, daughter of Russel Weaver and wife, Lydia
Cowell, of Niagara, N. Y. Issue:

1. Emogene, b. 9 Nov., 1840, in Murra)^ Orleans county, N. Y.;
mar. 8 Feb., 1868, Henry L- Rhodes, a farmer in Monroe county,
Wisconsin, b. 7 July, 1834, son of Charles and wife, Sally Smith, of
Genesee county, N. Y.; home, in Sparta, Wis. Issue:

1st. Harry C, b. 12 Dec, 1868; resides in Sparta, Wis.
2nd: Arthur L., b. 26 Jan., 1870; resides in Wonewoc, Wis.
3d. Eva I., b. 22 Dec, 1871; mar. i Aug., 1900, Edwin J.
Freeman; resides in Minneapolis, at 1006, 21 Ave., S. E.

4th. Lula M., b. 4 Apr., 1880; mar. 19 Sept., 1900, Edward
Allendorf; resides in Sparta. Issue:

I. Spencer Brackett, b.

2. Fairmina, b. 2 Dec, 1846, in Clarendon, N. Y.; mar. 25 Dec,
1866, Henry A. Carr, a farmer in Murray, N. Y., b. 7 July, 1846,
son of Henry N. and wife, Mary M. Olmstead, of Royalton, Niagara
county, N. Y. Issue:

1st. Herbert L., b. 29 Jan., 1868; resides in Holley, N. Y.

2nd. Floyd L., b. 16 June, 1875; mar. 3 Mar., 1896, Sadie
Cook; resides in Holley, N. Y. Issue:

I. Clayton C, b. .

3. Orson C, b. 20 Apr., 1848; mar, Emma Rafter; resides in
Sumner, Iowa.

ZACHARIAH, OF STEVENS' PLAINS 223

FAMILY NO. 11.

From Family No. 6. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Zachariah, Daniel, Daniel, John.

John Brackett was born May 2, 1815, in vSvveden, Monroe county,
N. Y.; a farmer in Niagara count^^ later in Clarendon, Orleans
county, N. Y.; about 1864, engaged in hardware trade in HoUey, N.
Y., which he conducted several years; in 1890, he returned to Clar-
endon, where he died August 3, 1893. Married March 6, 1839,
Lucinda Burnham, born February 18, 1817, died February 24, 1895,
dau. of William and wife, Phebe Sprague, of Holley, N. Y. Issue:

1. Martin E., b. 13 Apr., 1842, in Clarendon, N. Y., where he
practiced his profession of medicine; a graduate of Buffalo Medical
college; d. 3 Jan.. 1904; mar. (ist) in 1867, Elmira Ranne5^ who d.
13 Dec, 1872; mar. (2nd) 12 Dec, 1889, Mary Goodnow. No issue.

2. William A., b. 24 Feb., 1845. See family 16.

3. Charlotte C, b. 30 Mar.. 1848; d. 30 vSept., 1854.

4. Ella E., b. 29 May, 1852; mar. Ford\^ce Stearns; d. 15 Aug.,
1885. Issue:

1st. Marion C.

5. Elmer J., b. 3 Feb., i860; d. 23 Dec. 1878.

FAMILY NO. 12.

From Family No. 6. Descent: Anthony. Anthony, Zachariah,
Zachariah, Daniel, Daniel, Rufus.
Rufus Brackett was born May 15, 1817; a farmer in Royalton,
Niagara county, N. Y.; married Brittana Orr; is deceased. Issue:

1. Josephine A., b. 27 June, 1850, in Royalton, N. Y.; mar.
John Eayton Sheldon, a farmer in Middleport, Niagara county, b. 22
Feb., 1846, son of Joseph; he was b. in 1818, mar. Sophia Eayton,
lived in Middleport, was son of Elijah; he was b. 1793, mar. Clarissa
Alvord, lived in Royalton, N. Y., was son of Elijah; he was b. 1762,
mar. Sally Sheldon, was son of Elijah; he was b. 1738, mar. Rachel
Hanchet, was son of Elijah; he was b. 1719, mar. Sarah King, was
son of Jonathan; he was b. 16S7, mar. Alary Southwell, was son of
Isaac; he was b. in 1629 in Windsor, Conn., mar. (2nd) Mrs. Mehet
Ensign; he was son of Isaac, the immigrant, b. in 1605, was in Dor-
chester, Mass., in 1634. Issue:

1st. John Eayton, b. 19 Aug., 1874; an attorney at law in
Eockport, N. Y.; mar. 14 Sept., 1904, Irma M. Pixley.

2nd. George R., b. 2 Feb., 1876; mar. 8 June, 1904, Janet M.
Smith; home, in Middleport, N. Y.

3d. Flora M., b. 27 Aug., 1884.

2. Eydia, mar. Dr. George P. Richardson; home, in Middleport.

3. George, mar. Ella Huntley; home, in Royalton.

4. Joanna, mar. James Bowles; home, in Royalton.

FAMILY NO. 13.

From Family No. 6. Descent: Anthon5^ Anthony, Zachariah,
Zachariah, Daniel, Daniel, Josiah.
Josiah Brackett was born September 13, 1826, in Clarendon,
Orleans county, N. Y.; a farmer in Newstead, Erie county, N. Y.;

224 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

died January 3, 1879; married November 12, 1848, LydiaC. Stevens,
born August 26. 1826, died May 22, 1898, daughter of Harry C. and
wife, Charlotte Owen, of Newstead, N. Y. Issue:

1. lycvi Eugene, b. 28 June, 1850; d. 9 June, 1853.

2. Charlotte Evangeline, b. i Oct., 1854, in Newstead; mar. 16
Feb., 1874, Nicholas Corbett, b. 16 Mar., 1852, son of Daniel and
wife, Nancy Wycoff; is a farmer in Newstead. Issue:

1st. Eula J., b. 9 Feb., 1877.
2nd. Eugene E. b., 31 Jan., 1879.

3. Alva L., b. 13 Sept., 1859; mar. Nellie M. Brat; resides in
Akron, Erie county, N. Y. Issue:

1st. Leah C, b. 3 Aug., 1884.
2nd. Wayne Daniel, b. 2 Feb., 1888.
8d. Goldia Sarah, b. 8 Oct., 1892.
4th. Richard Lyon, b. 10 Sept., 1896.
5th. Ruth Leona, twin with Richard.

4. Orris Harr}^, b. 17 Nov., 1861; mar. Ella C. Pardee; home, in
Akron, N. Y. Issue:

1st. Ethel May, b. 19 Mar., 1890.
2d. Bessie Luella, b. 17 Aug., 1891.
3d. Anna Viola, b. 25 Apr., 1894.

NINTH GENERATION.

I

FAMILY NO. 14.

From Family No. 9. Descent: Anthony, Anthonj-, Zachariah,
Zachariah, Daniel, Daniel, Eevi, Levi.

Levi Brackett was born March i, 1833, in Clarendon, N. Y.; is
a carpenter and joiner in Ewing, Nebraska; removed to Flint, Mich.,
in 1848; to Columbus city. Iowa, in 1856; to Oakdale, Neb., in 1882;
to Ewing, Neb., in 1887. Married March 2, 1856, Mary A. Rail,
born September 11, 1837, died in 1888, daughter of Jacob W. and
wife, Catherine, of Flint, Mich. Issue:

1. George Edwin, b. in 1859; mar. in Oct., 1884, Martha Aring-
ton; home, in Davenport, Iowa. Issue:

1st. Glen, b. in 1885.
2nd. Guy, b. in i88y.

2. Mary Castilla, b. in 1864; mar. in 1881, Selah K. Hobbie;
home, in Wynne Wood, Okla. Issue:

1st. Frank, b. in Mar., 1882.
2nd. Myrta, b. in 1884.
3d. Gene.

3. Katherine Florence, b. in 1866; mar. in 1886, Montague D.
Wheeler; home, in Norfolk, Neb. Issue:

1st. Jennie, b. in 1887.
2nd. Merle, b. in 1889.

4. Belle Eliza, b. in 1869; mar. 26 Jan., 1889, Ira C. Reno; home,
in Oakdale, Neb.

5. Alfred Jacob, b. in 1873; mar. 24 Jan., 1900, Emma Hartung,
home, in Fontanelle, Neb. Issue:

1st. Irene, b. 19 Apr., 1902.

ZACHARIAH, OF STEVENS' PLAINS

225

2nd. Ruth.
3d. Gertrude.

6. Sherman E., b. in 1875. See family 17.

7. Levi Eugene, b. in 1882; mar. in Aug., 1902, Belle Brandon;
home, in Wahoo, Neb. Issue:

1st. Claude, b. 18 June, 1903.
2nd. Edna, b. 4 Feb., 1905.

FAMILY NO. 15.

From Family No. 9. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Zachariah. Daniel, Daniel, Levi, Solon F.

Solon F. Brackett, a farmer in Lennon, Shiawassee county,
Mich., was born September 28, 1837, in Clarendon, Orleans county,
New York; removed to Michigan when about twelve years old, where
he has .since resided in Shiawassee and Genesee^ counties. Married
March 2, 1856, Mary Shatto. born October 24," 1837, daughter of
John and wife, Magdalena Ohl, of Michigan. Issue:

1. Emma R., b. 8 June. 1857; d. 18 July, 1862.

2. George L., b. 14 Mar., i860; mar. 10 Aug., 1878, Clara Pace;
resides at 461S Lester St., Cleveland, Ohio. Has dau. who mar.
Paul Langman, whose children are Ivan and Lynne Langman.

3. Frank S., b. i July, 1868; mar. 20 Feb., 1890, May Herington;
home, in Waterloo, Ont. Issue:

1st. George Elliott.
2nd. Lottie.

, FAMILY NO. 16.

From Family No. 11. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Zachariah, Daniel, Daniel, John, William A.

William A. Brackett was born February 24, 1845, in Clarendon,
N. Y.; a tinsmith and plumber; since 1905, a groceryman; resided
in Akron and Murray, N. Y.; Central City. Neb.; Flint, Gobleville
and Grand Rapids, Mich., in the order named; married (ist) March
8, 1S69, Delia A. Snow, born in 1847, died November 17, 1880,
daughter of Minos Snow; (2nd) January i, 1884, Anna C. Warren,
born January 17, 1846, daughter of Jonathan and wife, Naomi War-
ren. Issue:

1. Zadah, b. 2 Jan., 1870; mar. i Jan., 1889, Hugh Moyer; d.
5 July, 1900. Issue:

1st. Carl.

2. Bell M., b. 13 June, 1873; resides in East Kendall, N. Y.

3. Edna M., b. 10 Aug., 1875; mar. in 1892, William Beauer;
resides in Lockport, N. Y. Issue:

1st. Rachel.
2nd. Dayton.

226 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

TENTH GENERATION.

FAMILY NO. 17.

From Family No. 14. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah, 1
Zachariah, Daniel, Daniel, Levi, Levi, Sherman E.

Sherman Edgar Brackett, a machinist and dealer in sporting
goods, of Seattle, Washington, was born in 1875, at Columbus
junction, Iowa; with his father removed to Norfolk, Neb., and
thence he went to Seattle. Married April 12, 1899, Maude Ellis,'
born January 24, 1878. daughter of Frank and wife, Mary Hall, of
Oberlin, Ohio. Issue:

1. Lawrence Ellis, b. 8 Aug., 1904, in Seattle, Wash.

I

JOSHUA, OF PRESUMPSCOT 227

DIVISION NO. 7.

LIEUTENANT JOSHUA BRACKETT OF PRE-
SUMPSCOT, AND HIS DESCENDANTS.

FIFTH GENERATION.

FAMILY NO. 1.
From Chapter 6. Descent: Anthonj^ Anthony, Zachariah, Joshua.

Joshua Brackett was born June 7, 1723, in Falmouth. At the
time, the Three Years or Lovewell's war was going on, and the
reason when his birth occurred, was that in which attacks by the
Indians on the settlements, were most liable to be. made. For secur-
ity from these attacks the family was dwelling in some garrison
house on the Neck, when it was increased by the advent of young
Joshua. Born in the midst of warfare, J;his person was destined to
take an active part in every subsequent war with one exception, in
which the people of Maine became engaged, during his long, eventful
life of ninety-three years. The first mention of an event concerning
him contained in any published document, is of the fact shown by
the record of the First church in Falmouth, that on April 11, 1742,
he was admitted into full communion with that church. Also dur-
ing that year was admitted into full communion with this church,
a young lady, a Miss Esther Cox. She was a daughter of John Cox
who lived on the Neck near Robison's wharf. He was the first of
the name in Falmouth, by occupation a mariner, and, probably,
because of his exploits during Lovewell's war, had earned for himself
the distinction of being called the "Old Ranger;" was admitted in
1727, an inhabitant of the town and lost his life in May, 1747, in the
defense of a fort at Pemaquid, which was taken by the Indians.
Cox and fifteen others were the garrison; all were killed, wounded
or captured. He owned a tract of land on the Presumpscot river, not
far from Riverton Park, a part of which is still owned and occupied
by his descendants through his daughter Esther. The intention to
marry of this daughter and Joshua Brackett, was published Decem-
ber 9, 1744. Within a few weeks after their marriage, he left with
his compan}' for the siege of Eouisburg. That fortress surrendered
on June 17, 1745. The organization in which he served was Captain
Humphrey Cobb's company, Colonel Samuel Waldo's regiment.
The character and duration of the service he rendered during this
war with the French and Indians from 1744 to 1748, or King George's
war, is shown by the petition of the survivors of his companj-, to the
general court for a grant of land. Therein it is set forth that the
petitioners were on the expedition against Louisburg, "not only until,
but for some considerable time after, the reduction of the place, for
its defense," and until relieved by "His majasties troops from Gib-
ralter;" in all about sixteen months from leaving their homes; "the
fatigue of which service your Excellency and Honors are well known

228 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

to"; that they were "put out of their usual way of business," aud
this proved very detrimental to them; that manj- "have no lands nor
wherewith for purchase."

Their petition met with approval. The land allotted to them is
now a part of the present town of Standish, Me. Many of the peti-
tioners settled on the grant. Joshua Brackett, however, lived con-
tinuously in Falmouth. About the beginning of the last French and
Indian war, he lived on what was known as the Bramhall farm. In
an affidavit made by him, dated October 13, 18 10, he stated his age
to be eightj'-seven years; that he was well acquainted with said farm,
which in 1756, he hired for three j-ears and paid to Bramhall thirty
pounds old tenor and kept twenty sheep for him; that he lived in
a house on the farm "until I was obliged to go into the army which
I did at that time; mj^ family continued there some time after I was
gone, and paid Bramhall;" that the house was built when he was
about ten 3^ears old, and "on what was called Bramhall's point where
there were some apple trees."

The purpose of this affidavit evidently was to show title to the
land in question, in some person claiming title under Bramhall.
There is little reason to doubt that Joshua was away from his home
in the army for many months. He was a private in Captain James
Milk's Falmouth Neck company'; his name is contained in a list of
those who belonged to it, dated Ma}- 10, 1757. Also his name is
in a list of Captain Isaac Ilsley's Back Cove company, dated August
16, 1757. From the contents of his aiSidavit it is clear that his ser-
vice during the last war with the French and Indians, did not consist
in belonging to a local military company which remained in Fal-
mouth; he refers therein to a period when he was absent from his
home in the army; he was with some military expedition for which
Falmouth was required to furnish her quota, and his stay was for
a longer period than a 3'ear. When the War of the Revolution com-
menced, this seasoned veteran of two long wars, was in the fifty-sec-
ond year of his age. There was a demand for the services of men of
his experience for officers. He was commissioned second lieutenant
in Captain Joshua Wentworth's company. Colonel Ebenezer Francis'
regiment. His name appears in pay abstract for travel allowance,
dated at Watertown, Mass., August, 1776; also in return of men at
Dorchester heights in Northern department, 3'ear not given, but roll
indorsed "reported by Brig Whitcomb August 23, 1776." Record
shows he was credited to Cumberland count}^ Later in the war
opportunity presented itself for him to serve in a military expedition
fitted out near his home, viz., the one known as the expedition
against the Penobscot. To serve therein he enlisted as a private in
Captain William Cobb's company, Cumberland county regiment,
July 8, 1779, and was discharged September 25, 1779, at Falmouth;
was with the detachment under Colonel Jonathan Mitchell. Is
described in the records as "Joshua Brackit of Presumpscot." There
was no Joshua Brackett, other than he and his son Joshua, living on
the Presumpscot at the time, and his son Joshua was not on this
expedition.

His name, with those of three of his brothers (all of his brothers
except Abraham), is found in a list of tax paj-ers of the year 1760, in
Falmouth; the same names are contained in a list of the names of

JOSHUA, OF PRESUMPSCOT

229

persons who paid tax in 1765, in support of a Congregational church
in Stroudwater parish. Also his name and the names of four of his
sons, are found in a list of tax payers in Falmouth, in the year 1777.
It was probably about the close of the last French and Indian
war, that Joshua took up his abode on the Presumpscot river, on
a tract of land that was the property of his father-in-law, John Cox;
there he resided the remainder of his days. Ivet us hope that happi-
ness was his lot, and that of this world's goods he had sufficient to
meet his simple wants. He lived to hear the news of Old Hickory's
victory at New Orleans; and glorious news it was to this old veteran.
On the occasion of his first visit to Portland after hearing of this
triumph of our arms, it is safe to venture that it was well known that
Lieutenant Joshua Brackett was in town, by those people living in
Portland who would have rejoiced had the Americans been worsted
in the battle. He died at his home in the year 18 16. Issue:

1. Daniel, b. in 1745. See family 2.

2. Mercy, bapt. in 1747, in First church in Falmouth; mar. 7
Jan., 1768, Benjamin Lunt, b. 15 Aug., 1747, d. in Jan., 1822, son of
James; he was son of 2d Henry who was b. 23 Xune, 1698, m New-
bury, Mass., and wife Hannah, dau. of Joseph Noyes. Issue were
fifteen children of whom fourteen lived to marry; among others

were — ' , . ,■ r x

Mary, b. 19 May, 1779; mar. James Brackett (see div. 3, iam. 2).
Mercy, b. 26 Aug., 1795; mar. Zachariah Brackett (seefam. 9).

3. Anthony, b. in 1749. See family 4.

4. Tabitha, mar. William Toby.
6. James, b. 20 Apr., 1752. See family -3-.

6. Abraham. See family 5.

7. Samuel, probably b. about 1756; enlisted 15 July, 1775, m
Captain Samuel Knight's company, served six months and one day;
stationed at Falmouth. Also enlisted in Captain William Crocker's
company, Cumberland county regiment, served from i Mar., 1776,
to 31 Aug., 1776; stationed at Falmouth. Also enlisted m Captain
William Crocker's company. Colonel Mitchell's regiment and served
from 31 Aug., 1776, to 23 Nov., 1776, date of discharge, 2 months
and 23 days; stationed at Falmouth. Also enlisted m Captain Clark s
company, Colonel Tupper's regiment. Name shown on Continental
army pay accounts for service from i Jan., 1777, to 30 June, 1778;
enrolled for three years. Reported, died 30 June, 1778. It is not
known that he was ever married.

8. Joshua, b. 31 July, 1762. See family 6.

9. Joseph; he lived in Westbrook and died unmarried.

FAMILY NO. 2.
From Family No. i. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Daniel.
Daniel Brackett was born and raised in Falmouth. The records
of the First Parish church of Falmouth show that in 1745, was bap-
tized a child of "Joshua and wife Elizabeth Brackett," as the printed
copies of the record read. One might well mistake Esther for Eliza-
beth (which former name was that of the wife of Joshua), when read-
ing the writing of the pastor at the time, which is most difficult to

230 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

decipher. The name of the child is not contained in the record. It
is but a guess that the name of the child was Daniel. It is not
known with certainty- as to the number of children of whom Joshua
Brackett and his wife Esther were the parents. Mr. Willis wrote
that they had a large family. There is extant a record of some of
his children; it is not supposed to be complete. We know of no
family of which the subject of this sketch could have been a member
other than the family of Joshua Brackett, among whose soldier sons
he is worthy to be numbered.

Daniel Brackett enlisted February i6, 1776, in Captain Benja-
min Hooper's company, serA-ed to August 31, 1776; stationed at
Falmouth. It was perhaps he who married Februar)^ 4, 1777, Sarah
Gould.

It is much regretted that so little has come down to us concern-
ing this Daniel Brackett. It was b}? the mere chance of a letter writ-
ten by one of his grandsons to a party in Maine, making inquiry
about the Portland property-matter, that communication was secured
with any of his descendants. He lived and died about five miles
from Portland in the direction of Westbrook from that city. Issue,
not in order of birth:

1. Hannah, who mar. Nathaniel Proctor.

2. Jane; no further record.

3. Mary, who mar. Bond; had two sons, one named Edwin; he
served in the civil war and lived in Portland; both sons were copper-
smiths.

4. Cox; no further record.

5. Daniel, b. in 1792. See famil}^ 7.

6. James, who died in the town of West Indies, Penobscot county,
Me.

7. Elijah, who was married.

8. Davenport, who lived in Westbrook at an early day of the
town; was there in 1828.

FAMILY NO. 3.

From Famil}^ No. i. Descent: Anthonj', Anthon}^ Zachariah,
Joshua, Anthony.

Anthony Brackett was born in 1749, on his father's farm border-
ing on the Presumpscot river. On this farm he lived until his death
about 1821; it is still owned and occupied by his descendants. His
wife's maiden name was Mary Coffey.

Served in Captain Joseph Pride's companj'; enlisted October 11,
1779; discharged October 23, 1779; "served at the Eastward" in
detachment of Cumberland countj^ militia under command of Na-
thaniel Jordan. Also probably served as private in Captain Tobias
Lord's company, from April 15, 1776, to November 25, 1776, at
Falmouth. Issue, not in order of birth:

1. James, b. 2 Oct., 1775. See familj^ 8.

2. Ephraim, who never married.

3. Samuel. The nearest living relatives of this man do not know
anything about him, do not know whether or not he was married. It
is conjectured that his children were Joshua who was drowned in
Saco river; one daughter, and another son, Jeremiah, born about

JOSHUA, OF PRESUMPSCOT 231

1S05, who married Sarah Tibbetts and died at about the age of thirty-
seven years. Jeremiah had children, Charles H.; Sarah Jane; Ira
T.; Mary Ann; and Almon D. All are dead except Ira T. He
wrote — "All I can tell you is that my family were Westbrook
Bracketts. * * * we knew nothing about the Bracketts because we
lived among my mother's people (upon the death of the father); my
wife says that my mother said that my grandfather's name was
Samuel. I know he had a brother Zachariah."

There was no family around Westbrook with sons Zachariah and
Samuel, other than that of Anthony Brackett.

Ira A. Brackett was born about 1838; married 29 June, 1856; is
a house-painter; has had six children, all of whom are dead except
son Ira T., who is an overseer in the paper mills of S. D. Warren
& Co., of Cumberland Mills, Me.; his family consists of one boy and
two girls.

Almon D. Brackett, brother of Ira T., was born 22 Sept., 1837,
in lyimerick, Me.; d. 14 Apr. ,1895; was a carriage-dealer; resided in
Somerville; mar. 2 Aug., 1857, Sarah E. Wallis, b. 11 Nov., 1838,
dau. of Aaron and wife, Betsey Barrett, of Ipswi-ch, Mass. Issue:

1st. Sadie M., b. 13 Nov., 1858.

2nd. Charles H., b. 22 Sept., 1864; d. 14 June, 1901.

3d. Ira Almon, b. 22 Mar., 1865, in Limerick, Me.; is a dealer
in carriages; resides in Somerville, Mass.; mar. 24 Nov., 1898,
Katherine E. McCabe, b. 22 Oct., 1866, dau. of Martin and wife,
Mary Ryan, of Winchendou, Mass. Issue:
I. Martin R., b. 4 June, 1900.

4th. Elizabeth, b. 13 Mar., 1866.

5th. Harry E., b. 25 Dec, 1880.

4. Mar}', mar. 13 Apr., 1806, Orlando Hines.

5. Hannah, mar. i Aug., 1802, Enoch Moody.

6. Dorcas, mar. Wilbur.

7. Zachariah, b. 12 Feb., 1789. See family 9.

8. Tabitha, b. in 1795; d. 15 Oct., 1878; mar. 29 Nov., 1815,
Robert McFarland, b. in 1782, d. 19 Aug., 1819; mar. (2nd) Knight.
Issue:

1st. Ephraim Wilbur McFarland, b. 9 Jan., 1819; d. 8 July,
1893; mar. 24 Dec, 1847, Hannah Maria Hodgkins. Issue:

I. Robert E.,b. 22 June, 1850; d. 19 Sept., 1875; mar. Jannie
Kimball; had dau., Nellie F., who d. 6 Oct., 1884.

II. Eaura A., b. 16 Sept., 1852; mar. William F. Hatch.

III. Ephraim A., b. i Feb., 1857; mar. Mary I. McGeouch.
Children, Maria M.; Alfred W.; Clara B.; Ephraim A.; Grace M.;
Alice M.; Robert E.; Eaura; Hannah G.; Albert F.

2nd. Margaret, mar. Joseph York; dau. Mary mar. Noyes.
3d. Harriet, mar. Joseph Colley.

FAMILY NO. 4.

From Famil}' No. i. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, James.

James Brackett was born 20 Apr., 1752, in that part of Fal-
mouth now a part of Westbrook; was commonlj^ known as "Uncle
Jimmy." He owned a farm on the banks of the Presumpscot river,

232 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

adjoining the farm of his brother Anthony; lived all his life from
the close of the Revolutionary war, in the vicinity of Westbrook,
except for nine years when he lived in Limington. It is probable
that he was twice married. His second marriage was on March 17,
1785, with Jenny Mosher Akers (see chapter VI). The records of
the town of Gorham read, that the intention to marry of Thomas
Brackett and Jenny Akers was published March 20, 1784; there is an
error, as said records also show that Jennj^ Akers and James Brackett
of Falmouth were married on the date stated above. At the time
there was no James Brackett in Falmouth, other than the subject of
this sketch, who could have become her husband.

That James Brackett was a widower at the time of his marriage
to Jenny Akers is probable. The census of 1790 shows him a resi-
dent of Falmouth with a familj^ of three males under the age of six-
teen and five females, including his wife. The census of 1800 shows
in his family four males under the age of ten years; three under the
age of sixteen years; one female under the age of ten 3'ears; two
under the age of sixteen years and one under the age of twenty-six
years. The census of 1810 shows in his family, two males under the
age of ten years; two under the age of sixteen j^ears, and one female
over the age of fort}' -five years. Subsequent censuses to and includ-
ing 1830, show him living in Westbrook, but throw no light upon the
membership of his family. His wife probably died before 1820, and
from then on there lived with him the family of some of his children.

James Brackett was a soldier and served on the right side, other-
wise he would not have been a son of Joshua Brackett. B)- his affi-
davit filed August i, 1832, in his claim for pension he testified to his
being past the age of eight}' years and to the date of his birth; that
his first term of service was in 1775, in Captain John Brackett's com-
pany; marched in April of that year to Cambridge, joined Phinney's
regiment and served eight months; was discharged in January, 1776.

The published records show that he was a private in Captain
John Brackett's company, Colonel Edmund Phinney's regiment;
name on billeting roll from date of enlistment. May 16, 1775, to date
of marching to headquarters, July 3, 1775, equivalent to forty-eight
days; marched from Falmouth. Name found on company return
dated September 29, 1775; also found on roll of Captain James John-
son's (formerly Brackett's) company. Colonel Edmund Phinney's
regiment; given order dated October 14, 1775, fort No. 2, Cam-
bridge, for bounty coat or its equivalent in money.

His testimon}' was further that on February 2, 1776, at Fal-
mouth, he enlisted for eight months, which he served in Captain
William Crocker's company, engaged in building forts; was not
attached to any regiment until spring, when joined by other com-
panies and Major Noyes, and General Hall took command.

The record of this term of service reads, that he was a private,
name, James Brackett, Jr., in Captain William Crocker's company,
Colonel Mitchell's regiment, from March i, 1776, to date of discharge,
November 23. 1776. Stationed at Falmouth.

He mentioned as his third term of service, his enlistment into a
company of artiller}', in the latter part of spring or early summer of
1777, stationed at Falmouth, commanded by Abner Lowell, and
attached to no regiment.

JOSHUA, OF PRESUMPSCOT 233

With respect to this service there is of record that James Brackett

of Fahnouth, served as matross in Captain Abner Lowell's artillery

.company, from January i, 1777, to March 31, 1777, three months;

name on roll dated July 31. Company reported August 11, 1777, as

mustered by Colonel Noyes, agreeable to sea coast establishment.

With respect to his fourth term of military service, James Brackett
testified that on March 4, 1778, he enlisted to serve nine months
in Captain Jesse Partridge's company; marched to Peekskill in New
York, and joined Colonel Greaton's regiment, then marched to White
Plains.

The record of this service reads that James Brackett, private in
Captain Jesse Partridge's company. Colonel John Greaton's regiment,
enlisted April i, 1778, was discharged November 30, 1778; served
eight months at North river with Falmouth volunteers.

One of the witnesses for James Brackett, in his claim for pension,
was Peter Brackett. The claim was allowed, and pension was paid
to him until his death.

It is confessed that the names of his children are not known with
certainty; the names of persons mentioned as bearing the relation of
children to James Brackett, are believed to have been his children,
for the reason that they were born and lived in and near Westbrook,
and it is not known to whose family the}'' could have belonged, unless
to his family. Issue, not in order of birth:

1. Thomas.

2. Hannah, who mar. about 1810, Silas J. Ward.

3. Moses, mar. 30 Aug., 1821, Ednah Barbour.

FAMILY NO. 5.

From F'amily No. i. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Abraham.

Abraham Brackett was born about 1754, in Falmouth. The first
Federal census (1790) shows him a resident of Limington, Me., then
known as Little Ossipee; also census of 18 10 shows him a resident of
Limington. His name does not appear in census of 1820; he, per-
haps, had died before that j^ear. His wife's maiden name was Susan
Miller. Enlisted as a private, April i, 1778, in Captain Jesse Par-
tridge's company, Colonel John Greaton's regiment, and served to
November i, 1778, at North river, with Falmouth volunteers. Also
enlisted October i, 1779, as a private in Captain Joseph Pride's com-
pany; discharged October 23, 1779; detachment from Cumberland
county militia, under command of Nathaniel Jordan. Issue, not in
order of birth:

1. Sall^^ b. in 1786; d. at about the age of 20 years.

2. Tabitha, b. 20 Sept., 1787; d. 4 Dec, 1885; mar. Samuel Guil-
ford, who d. 13 Dec, 1813; mar. (2nd) Daniel Pugsley, son of
Andrew and wife, Miriam Saw3'er; he was a farmer in Cornish, Me.
Issue: William B.; Samuel; Abraham B.; Susan, b. 17 Nov., 1813;
John, b. 2 Jan., 1820, mar. Hannah Norton; Charlotte W., b.
28 July, 1 82 1, living in 1900; Betsey; Lucinda, mar. Dennis Johnson;
Moses, mar. Hannah Chaney; Daniel, b. 2 July, 1828, mar. Julia A.
Chaney, (2nd) Helen Guptill, resides in Cornish; Mary A., mar. John
P. Bradeen, home in Cornish.

234 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

3. William, d. at age of 20 years.

4. Betsey, mar. Richard Mayberry of Gorham; d. in i86g.

5. Jane, mar. John Tolman of Portland.

6. Ann, b. 7 Dec, 1795; mar. Moses Winslow of Falmouth.
Issue: John; Charles; James; Henry; Cordelia; Francis; Edwin,
lyUcy; Frederick; Moses.

7. Dennis, b. May 7, 1799. See family 10.

8. Benjamin. See family 11.

9. Abraham. See family 12.

10. Thomas, d. young and unmar.

11. Edward, b. 6 Jan., 1806. See family 13.

FAMILY NO. 6.

From Family No. i. Descent: Anthou}^, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Joshua.

Joshua Brackett was born July 31, 1762, in Falmouth. Enlisted
April 18, 1780, in Captain Joseph Pride's company. Colonel Joseph
Prime's regiment; discharged December 6, 1780. In claim for pen-
sion, under act of June 7, 1832, he testified by affidavit filed August
20, 1832, that he was 70 years of age, was drafted to serv^e as a militia-
man; went into Captain Pride's compam' in April, 1780; did duty as J
a private, in Portland, for the term; was in a detachment to ser^^e on "
barges, or guard boats, to coast along the shore and protect fishermen
and other small craft from a British privateer commanded by a Cap-
tain Moett.

The 3'ear following his discharge from the army, he removed to
Limington. Married May 6, 1784, Lydia Hasty, born June 6, 1767,
died November 6, 1841, daughter of Robert and wife, Elizabeth
Larabee (Watson), of Limington. Resided in Limington until his
death, Jvme 10, 1849; was a farmer. Issue:

1. Joseph, b. 10 Nov., 1785. See family 14.

2. Elizabeth, b. 23 Feb., 1787; mar. Thomas Meloy of Gorham.
Issue: James; L3'dia; Mary; Frances.

3. Dorothy, b. 13 June, 1789; d. unmar. at age of 86 3'ears.

4. Robert, b. 28 Sept., 1791. See famih'^ 15.

5. Esther, b. 15 Dec, 1793; d. 7 June, 1842; mar. William Libby;
lived in Newfield, Me., and Great Falls, N. H. Issue: Dorothy,
mar. Newcomb; William, mar. Sawin, (2nd) Temple; Eliza A., mar.
White; Mary, mar. Lang; Dorcas, mar. Record; Lj'dia, mar. Ham-
blen, (2nd) Winn; Rufus Brackett, mar. Wood; Lucinda Brackett,
mar. Dutton; James, mar. Bennett; Ro3'al, mar. Rullen.

6. Joshua, b. 18 Apr., 1796. See family 16.

7. Lydia, b. 12 Apr., 1798; mar. Robert Staples; lived in Sebago.
Issue: Lydia; Enoch; Mar^^; Margaret; Charles.

8. Mary, b. 12 Mar., 1800; mar. 29 March, 1820, Samuel Ingalls,
b. 3 July, 1792, d. 7 Feb., 1843; she d. 15 July, 1830. Issue: Gard-
ner; Susan; Sylvanus; Joshua; Samuel.

9. Hannah, b. 6 July, 1802; d. 21 Feb., 1872; mar. 3 Juh', 1831,
Samuel Ingalls; he was son of Francis of Bridgton, and wife, Betsey,
and grandson of Isaiah, son of Francis. Issue: Susan; Hannah;
Ellen; Enoch.

10. Samuel, b. 29 Mar., 1805. See family 17.

JOSHUA, OF PRESUMPSCOT 235

11. Almira, b. 9 Oct.. 1806; d. i Nov., 1863; mar. Francis Ingalls;
lived in Naples. Issue: 1st; Almira, mar. John Brackett (see fam.
18, div. 4). 2nd. Francis O., mar. Nancy R. Vance; (2nd)
Eliza K. Fisher; lived in Naples, Me., and lyinden, Mass. Issue:
Charles M.; EnimaJ.; lyizzie E.; William, and Adelbert. 3d. Mary
E. 4th. Margaret M. 5th. Violet M., b. 20 June, 1847, mar.
Nathan C. Mendell, dec; has one child, tfarold H., b. 16 Jaii., 1881.

SEVENTH CxENERATION.

FAMILY NO. 7.

From Family No. 2. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Daniel, Daniel.

Daniel Brackett was born in Falmouth, in 1792. He was
scarcely of age when the war with England commenced in 181 2.
He served on an American war vessel until the" close of hostilities,
when he went to Merimichie, Canada, where he bought a tract of
pine land. After disposing of his timber he went to Barthurst, New
Brunswick, at which place he met his future wife, Miss Mary Connel,
born in Ireland. At Restigouchie, one hundred miles from Bart-
hurst, in the wilderness, he purchased four hundred acres, and com-
menced farming. There he resided until 1872, when, with his large
family, he removed to Wisconsin. He died, at the age of eighty-four
years, in 1876. His wife died February 22, 1889, at the age of
eighty-one years. Issue:

1. James.

2. Davenport, who d. about 1855, near Davenport, Iowa.

3. Mary Jane.

4. Nancy, mar. Patterson; had son Daniel.

5. Daniel.

6. Solomon.

7. Johanna.

8. Ehjah, b. in 1827. In the year 1850, he was in the town of
West Indies, Me., with James M. Dudley, a lumberman.

9. Thomas.

10. Jane, b. 13 Feb., 1840; mar. 9 Dec, 1863, George McFarlane,
b. 20 Apr., 1840, d. 6 Nov., 1884, son of John and wife, Martha
Sharpe, of New Brunswick; lived in Broadlands, Quebec; and Eau
Claire, Wis.; resides in Rice Eake, Wis. Issue:

. 1st. James B., b. 14 Feb., 1865; mar. 23 Mar., 1887, Helen I.
Hathaway; resides in Rice Lake. Issue: Keith V., b. 7 Feb., 1888;
Ellen B., b. 7 Nov., 1889; Jennie G., b. 11 Sept., 1896; Howard J.,
b. 28 Dec, 1898; Faith, b. 25 June, 1902.

2nd. Daniel D., b. 14 July, 1868; mar. 21 Mar., 1894, Carrie L.
Bronson; resides in Alma city, Minn. Issue: Gordon L., b. 5 Oct.,
1898; Helen I., b. 10 Oct., 1900; Burmah E., b. 6 Jan., 1903.

3d. William J., b. 14 July, 1868; mar. 19 Aug., 1895, Susie M.
Reitz; resides in Rice Lake, Wis. Issue: Irene C, b. 9 July, 1897;
Douglas W., b. 19 July, 1901; Calista A., b. — May, 1903; Margue-
rite P., b. I Nov., 1904.

236 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

4tli. George T., b. 9 Jan., 1870; mar. 23 Dec, 1901, Angle
Smith; resides in Rice Lake. Issue: KHen, b. 30 Sept., 1902.

5th. Earl A., b. 4 May, 1877; mar. 24 Dec, 1902, lyOttie Hurd;
resides in Birchwood, Wis. Issue:

I. Blanche D,, b. 4 Oct., 1903.
6th. Arthur E., b. 24 Mar., 1879; mar. 7 Aug., 1903, Eottie
Skinner; resides in Rice Lake. Issue:
I. Van E., b. 9 July, 1904.

11. George, b. 22 May, 1841. See family 18.

12. Mary, never mar.; home, in Albertville, Chippewa co.. Wis.

13. Abraham, b. in 1842. See family 19.

14. Josiali.

15. John.

16. Eliza.

17. Jeremiah.

18. William, b. in Sept., 1852. See family 20.

19. Ellen, b. 18 Sept., 1854; mar. 19 Mar., 1875, James Policy,
b. 9 May, 1853, son of James and wife, Jane Robertson, of St. Stephens,
New Brunswick; resides in Albertville, Wis. Mr. Policy is a lumber-
man. Issue:

1st. George A., b. 2 May, 1877; mar. 16 June, 1904, Abbie J.
Hurlburt; resides in Winona, Minn.
2nd. Vera G., b. 15 Feb., 1884.
3d. Manford J., b. 31 Oct., 1885.

20. Margaret.

It is believed that none of the sons had families other than those
whose families are given.

FAMILY NO. 8.
From Family No. 3. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Anthony, James.

James Brackett was born October 2, 1775; removed to Portland,
Me., where he resided until his death, in 1859; was a truckman;
married June 20, 1802, Rachael A. Waterhouse, born December 13,
1780, died in September, 1864. Issue:

1. Francis, b. 8 Jan., 1807; d. young,

2. Mary Coffe3^ b. 4 Oct., 1808; d. 13 Jan., 1892; mar. David
Briggs, special policeman in Copp's cemetery; lived in Portland and
East Portland. Issue: Arabella; Mary; Caroline; Charles.

3. James Francis, b. 6 Oct., 18 10; d. young.

4. George C, b. 19 Aug., 1813. See family 21.

5. James, Jr., b. 5 Dec, 1816. See family 22.

6. Edward, b. 31 Jan., 1819. See family 23.

7. Elizabeth Frances Waterhouse, b. 15 June, 1821; d. 28 Apr.,
1899; mar. Andrew Douglass, son of Andrew and wife, Elizabeth
Peacock. Issue:

1st. Emily, who mar. George Hanson.
2nd. Henrietta, who mar. Curtis.
3d. Arietta, who mar. George Lewis.

JOSHUA, OF PRESUMPSCOT 237

FAMILY NO. 9.

From Family No. 3. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Anthony, Zachariah.

Zachariah Brackett was born February 12, 1789, on the farm
which was owned by his ancestors, situated in that part of the town
of Fahiiouth now a part of Westbrook. On this farm he resided until
his death, May 3, 1874. He served in the war of 1812, from Septem-
ber 8 to September 20, 18 14, in the Stroudwater light infantry com-
pany, Massachusetts militia, at the time commanded by lyieutenant
Nathaniel Leighton; during its service the company was stationed at
Portland. Married October 14, 181 8, Mercy Lunt, born August 26,
1795, died February 24, 1844, daughter of Benjamin and wife, Mercy
Brackett (see f am. i); mar. (2nd) March 2, 1847, Rebecca Roberts,
born in 1800, died February 15, 1871. Issue:

1. Samuel M., b. 3 Sept., 18 19; mar. Henrietta Bartman; d. 28
Dec, 1881. No issue.

2. Benjamin L,., h. 18 Feb., 1822; d. 26 Apr., 1846.

3. Frances Ellen, b. 13 July, 1823; d. 7 Mav, 1839.

4. Alton C, b. 15 Mar., 1827. See family 24,

5. Mary Jane, b. 20 Jan., 1832; d. i June, 1838.

6. Horatio S., b. 14 June, 1835; ma-r. Ida York; home, in Somer-
ville, Mass. Issue: '

l.st. Alice, who mar. Hathaway; have son, Donald, b. in 1897.

2nd. Lena.

FAMILY NO. 10.

From Family No. 5. Descent: Anthou}^, Antliou}^, Zachariah,
Joshua, Abraham, Dennis.

Dennis Brackett was born in lyimington. Me., May 7, 1799; died
October 31, 1855; married Ellen C. Bisbee, born April 17, 1801, died
March 30, 1853, daughter of Moses Bisbee of Waterford, Me., born in
1766. Resided in Waterford. Issue:

1. Edward, b. 25 Jan., 1826; d. 6 Nov^, 1867.

2. Dennis, Jr., b. in 1834. vSee family 25.

3. Nathan C, b. 13 Sept., 1835, in Waterford, Me.; a farmer at
Newton Highlands, Mass.; formerly resided at Lancaster, Mass.;
mar. 26 Sept., 1861, Euann E. Bisbee, b. 23 Jan., 1839, dau. of Moses
and wife, Elinor Beatty, of Waterford, Me. Issue:

1st. Angle E., b. 20 Mar., 1869; home, at Newton Highlands.

4. George S., b. in 1837; d. in 1856.

5. Eouville W., b. in 1839; a resident of Milan, N. H., when he
enlisted, 22 May, 1861, for 3 years in company F, 2nd New Hamp-
shire volunteer infantry; killed 21 July, 1861, in battle of Bull Run,
Va.

6. Miranda, b. in 1840; d. 10 Jan., 1848.

7. Susan E., b. in 1842; d. 16 Feb., 1847.

8. Olive W., b. in 1843; d. 6 Apr., 1869, in Berlin, N. H.

9. Charles W., b. in 1846; d. 6 Oct., 1865.

238 BRACKETT GENKALOGY

FAMILY NO. 11.

From Family No. 5; Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Abraham, Benjamin.

Benjamin Brackett was born in Limington; lived on the home
farm a number of years and then moved to Portland; he mar. DorcasJ
Irish; died in 1838. Issue:

Four children, William; Jane; Mary; and Elizabeth; all of whoi
died during the winter of 1838.

5. Mehitable Smith, b. in 1820; mar. Freeman lyibbey. Issue:
1st. Sarah J., b. 10 Jan., 1843; mar. Jordan D. Johnson.

2nd. Stephen, b. 15 Nov., 1844, d. 16 Aug., 1868; mar. Nora J
R. Huckins. ■

3d. lyouisa, b. 5 Jan., 185 1; mar. Joseph H, Perry.

6. Ann, who mar. William Newcomb; is dec.

7. Dorcas, who mar. Charles Tatterdon; is dec. j

FAMILY NO. 12.

From Family No. 5. Descent: Anthou}-, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Abraham, Abraham.

Abraham Brackett was born in Limington; married August 12,
1821, Mary Fickett; he died in Brighton, Me. Issue:

1. Clement, b. in 1826; mar. Mary A. ; harness-maker; re-
moved to New Jersey; had dau. Catharine, b. in i860.

2. Solomon S., b. in 1827. See family 26.

3. Charles H., b. in Aug., 1830, in Limington; d. 21 June, 1874;
a harness-maker; mar. Jane Hilton; (2nd) Sarah L- Anderson.
Issue:

1st. Leon H.; unmarried.

2nd. Ida C, mar. William Lewis; home, in Cumberland Mills;
children are Jennie M. and Arthur P.

4. Richard, b. in 1836; no further record.

5. David; went to New Jersey.

6. Jane.

7. Edward, b. in 1831; is dec.

FAMILY NO. 13.

From Family No. 5. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Abraham, Edward.

Edward Brackett was born in Limington, January 6, 1806; mar-
ried Abigail Berry, born in 1804, died in 1869, in Harrington, Me.,
daughter of James. He was a Methodist minister; in 1850, was lo-
cated in New Castle, Me.; died in Biddeford, in November, 1869.
Issue:

1. Susan Amanda, b. in 1832; unmarried.

2. Mary Palmer, b. in 1838; mar. in Sept., 1858, Joseph H. West,
b. in 1835; resides in Franklin, Me. Issue:

1st. Gracie, d. 14 Oct., 1876.
2nd. Genevieve.

3. Edward, b. in 1843; d. during the civil war; probably served
in company D., 22 Maine volunteer infantry; enlisted 16 Oct., 1862,
in Harrington; d. in New Orleans, La.

JOSHUA, OF PRESUMPSCOT 239

FAMILY NO. 14.

From Family No. 6. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Joshua, Joseph.

Joseph Brackett was born November lo, 1785, in Limington;
removed to Casco in 1828, where he resided until his death prior to

i860; was a farmer; married October 15, , lyydia Pugsley of

Cornish. Issue:

1. Lorina, who never mar.

2. Lydia, b. 27 Apr., 1808; d. 18 Oct., 1859; mar. Benj. Jones.
Issue:

1st. lyorina. 2nd. Benjamin, mar. Martin; had Hattie, mar.
Evans; Mary, mar. Parker; Charles. 3d. Caroline, mar. James A.
Green, (2nd) Alanson E. Lunt. 4th. Martha. 5th. Lydia E., mar.
Leavitt. 6th. Martha, mar. Staples. 7th. Joseph. 8th. Ada, mar.
Morse; home in Otisfield, Me. 9th. Mary. All dec, except Mrs.
Lunt and Mrs. Morse.

3. Esther, b. 29 Oct., -; mar. Stephen Caldwell; lived in

Cambridge, Mass. Issue: 1st. Maria, mar. Green and had Alice,
who mar. Brackett. 2nd. Randolph. 3d. Alurat. 4th. Julia A.

4. Thomas; mar. Mary Jane Boynton; lived in Salem, Mass.; d.
26 July, 1 881; no issue. Will dated 18 July, 1881; estate inventoried
$16,063.90, all devised to wife; will contested by heirs; was a teamster.

5. Joshua, b. 26 May, 1814. See family 27.

6. Robert, b. 9 Aug., 1817. See family 28.

7. Benjamin, b. in 1818; never mar.

8. Joseph, b. in 1822; mar. Sarah A. : lived in Casco, Me.

9. Martha, b. in 1825; mar. Charles Mayberry.

10. Samuel, b. in 1827. See family 29.

11. Mary, b. in 1830; mar. William Hamlin.

FAMILY NO. 15.

From Family No. 6. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Joshua, Robert.

Robert Brackett was born September 28, 1791, in Limington,
Me., where he lived until his death, April 24, 1876; was a farmer.
In the war of 18 12, he served for a short time as a soldier. Mar-
ried October 29, 1818, Aphia Libby, born June 21, 1799, died No-
vember 26, 1884, daughter of Rufus; he was born in Scarboro, May
4, 1773, died in Limerick, Dec. 5, 1858, married Dorcas Strout, was
son of Philemon; he was born May 29, 1749, in Scarboro, lived in
Limington, where he died December 22, 1811, married Martha Small,
was son of Captain John; he was born about 1700, married (2nd)
August 24, 1738, Anna Fogg; was son of Henry; he was born in
vScarboro in 1647, died October 21, 1732, married Honor Hinkson
(daughter of Peter, the immigrant), was son of John who came from
England in the emplo}^ of John Winter.

Dorcas Strout, who married December 25, 1792, Rufus Libby,
was daughter of Elisha and wife, Eunice Freeman, of Gorham; she
died in December, 1849.

Martha Small, who married May 8, 1791, Philemon Libby, was
born November 28, 1752, died August 27, 1837, was daughter of

240 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

Deacon Samuel; he always lived in Scarboro, was born April 17,
1700. mar. Ann Hatch, was son of Samuel; he settled on the homestead
in Kittery, was born in 1666, married Elizabeth (widow of James
Chadbourne and daughter of Ensign Heard), was son of Francis; he
was born in 1627, was in Dover in 1648, in Falmouth in 1657, in Kit-
tery in 1668, died in Cape Cod, 1714, was probably son of Edward;
he was in Kittery as early as 1640.

Anna Fogg, who married August 24, 1738, Captain John Libby,
was born February 16, 1718, daughter of Captain Daniel Fogg; he
was born in 1660. moved to Scarboro, then to Portsmouth, and about
1700. settled in what is now Eliot, Me., married Hannah Eibby,
(daughter of John Libby of Scarboro), died June 9. 1755, was son of
Samuel; he was born February 20, 1600, came in 1629, from Exeter,
England; was in Hampton in 1638, married October 12, 1632, Ann
Shaw, who died about 1661. Issue:

1. Elizabeth, b. 24 Jan., 1821; mar. Edward Clark; d. 18 Aug.,
1849.

2. Harriett, b. 6 Dec, 1822; mar. Edward Clark; d. 8 Feb., 1896,

3. Robert, b. 21 July, 1825. See family 30.

4. Caleb, b. 8 Mar., 1828; d. 21 June, 1856.

5. Almira, b. 10 Nov., 1830; mar. 10 Dec, 1851, George Carll, b.
20 Feb., 1826, d. 24 Jan., 1895, son of Peletiah and wife, Mary S.
Boody, of I^mington; was a farmer; home, in White Rock, Me. Issue:

1st. Eizzie A., b. 25 Oct., 1852; mar. 26 Oct., 1870, Gustavus
Plummer; home, in White Rock. Issue:

I. Ashley V. Plummer, b. 2 Sept., 1871; is married; has son
Russell A., b. 31 Dec, 1897.

II. Bertha M., b. 3 Sept., 1872.

III. Edwin G., b. 17 July, 1874.
2nd. Emma E., b. 6 Sept., 1854; d. 13 Oct., 1867.
3d. Van Wert, b. 17 Mar., 1857; mar. 26 May, 1883, Eizzie C.

Sawyer; is a farmer; home. White Rock. Issue:

I. Clarence E., b. 26 Apr., 1885.

II. Ruth E., b. 26 Mar., 1892.

4th. Eucy E., b. 6 Aug., 1867; d. 31 Sept., 1869.

6. James F., b. 16 Mar., 1833. See family 31.

7. Charles A., b. 10 Sept., 1836. See family 32.

8. Frederic, b. 20 June, 1838. See family 33.

9. Frances E., b. 22 Mar., 1841; mar. E. Grant Strout.

10. Rufus, b. II Feb., 1819; d. 22 Aug., 1822.

FAMILY NO. 16.
From Family No. 6. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Joshua, Joshua.

Joshua Brackett was born in Eimington, Me., April 18, 1796;
married April 20, 1821, Eydia Abrams, born July 11, 1801, died in
1849, daughter of Ralph and wife, Mehitable Welch; was a black-
smith; resided in Portland; died in 1828, in New York city, where
he went for work. Issue:

1. Ann Mira, b. 15 Apr., 1822; d. 15 Dec, 1837.

2. William H., b. 18 Jan., 1823; d. 7 Jan., 1838.

3. Charles C, b. 18 May, 1826; home, in Knightsville, Me.

4. Joshua, b. 9 Nov., 1828. See family 34.

!

i

JOSHUA, OF PRESUMPSCOT 241

FAMILY NO. 17.

From Family No. 6. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Joshua, Samuel.

Samuel Brackett was born in Limington, Me., March 29, 1805;

married January 14, 1827, Susan Foss of Limerick, Me., born in

! 1806, died January i, 1879, daughter of Lemuel and wife, Polly

Gove; moved from Maine to Janesville, Wis., later to La Crosse,

Wis., where he died September 25, 1859. Issue:

1. Samuel, Jr., b. i Aug., 1828. See family 35.

2. Joshua, b. in 1829; mar. Isabelle Hanson; d. 14 Feb., 1869;
had one child which d. when six mos. old.

3. Mary, b. 8 Mar., 1831; mar. 9 June, 1852, George Ruggles,
who d. 9 Jan., 1899; home, in Charlestown, Mass. Issue:

]st. Fred W., b. i Jan., 1855; mar. Marian Lawrence; home,
in Woburn, Mass.

2nd. Carrie E., b. 26 Feb., 1857; mar. Clarence H. Bates; d.
17 Dec, 1877. Issue:

I. Carrie E. Ruggles Bates, b. 17 Dec, 1877.

3d. James I., b. 22 Feb., 1861; d. in June, "1866.

4th. George, b. in Apr., 1864; d. in June, 1866.

5th. George F., b. 16 Dec, 1867; mar. in Nov., 1889, Minnie
Welch; home, in Winthrop, Mass. Issife:

I. Alice M., b. i June, 1890. II. Blanch E., b. in Oct.,
1891. III. Marian W., b. i Sept., 1892.

6th. James H., b. 14 Feb., 1871; mar. in June, 1893, Sarah
Bere; home, in Brooklyn, N. Y. Issue:

I. Jack E., b. in Mar., 1894. II. Helen, b. in July, 1895.
III. James H., Jr., b. 3 Jan., 1897. IV. Louise, b. in June, 1899.

4. Susan, b. 8 July, 1832; mar. in 1852, David Polleys, who d. in
Dec, 1899. Settled in Juneau co.. Wis., in 1854; moved to La
Crosse, Wis., in 1856, where she d. 27 Dec, 1898. Had Ida, b. in
1859, and Harry, who is dec.

6. John H., b. 4 Aug., 1833. See family 36.

6. James M., b. 18 Apr., 1835. See family 37.

7. Charles A., b. in 1837. See family 38.

8. Alice, b. in 1839; mar. Joseph Pratt; d. i June, 1865.

9. Nelson, b. 19 June, 1840. See family 39.

10. Maria, b. 10 Nov., 1841; mar. 2 Dec, 1857, Ephraim Polleys
of Melrose, Wis., b. in May, 1832, in Nova Scotia; mar. (2nd)
Harry Marsh; home, in Cleveland, Ohio. Issue by ist husband:

1st. Clifford, b. 2 Dec, 1858; mar. Elizabeth Fisher; home, in
Le Clair, Iowa. No issue.

2nd. Mettie, b. 7 Oct., 1862; mar. in Feb., 1885, Wm. G.
DeVol; home, in Cleveland. Issue:

I. Sylvia, mar. J. Burt Calkins, general baggage master of
the Big Four railroad; d. 27 Jan., 1906; resided in Cleveland. Issue:
a. William Gray, b. 12 Jan., 1906.

3d. Abner C, b. 17 Feb., 1866; lives at 314 East Indiana street,
Chicago; is president of the American Novelty company and business
manager of the Fleur de Lis Manufacturing company; is unmar.

11. Harriet, b. 30 Jan., 1846; mar. 15 Sept., 1867, S. B. Spencer,

b. 7 Apr.,';i837, son of Elson and wife, Bailey, of Penn.; home, in

Oshkosh. Issue:

242 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

1st. Son, K. E., b. 23 Sept., 1873. 2nd. Son, F. P., b. 29
May, 1877. 3d. Dau., M. A., b. 22 Nov., 1889.

12. Jefferson, b. in June, 1847; never mar.; served in co. B.,
2nd Wis. vol. inf.; d. in a hospital in Chicago, in Nov., 1898.

13. Eliza, b. i Jan., 1850; mar. 17 Sept., 1866, John H. Bristow,
b. 6 May, 1833, son of Edward and wife, Hannah Streeter, of Ontario,
Canada; is a blacksmith; home, in Ea Crosse, Wis. Issue:

1st. Alice, b. 6 Sept., 1867; mar. 27 Dec. 1885, Martin J.
Foley; home, in Ea Crosse, Wis. Issue: Jessie, b. 18 June, 1888.
Alice M., b. 30 Dec, 1889. Gladys, b. 18 July, 1891. Susie, b. 14
Mar., 1893. Bessie, b. 24 Feb., 1895. John, b. 12 Dec, 1897.

2d. Jessie, b. 26 Apr., 1869; mar. 3 Apr., 1886, Alonzo Cassidy;
home, in Ea Crosse, Wis. Issue: Alice, b. 3 Mar., 1886. Olive, b.
8 Feb., 1888. Frank, b. 6 Mar., 1890. Eva, b. 23 Dec, 1892.
John, b. 12 Oct., 1894.

3d. Hattie, b. 13 Jan., 1871; mar. 5 July, 1888, William
Eoomis; home in Ea Crosse, Wis. Issue: Willis E., b. 13 Sept., 1889.
Archie E., b. 24 July, 1892. Roy E., b. 4 Jan., 1894. Harold E., b.
3 Mar., 1896. Charles E., b. 4 Aug., 1898.

4th. Fannie M., b. 25 Nov., 1873; mar. 20 June, 1894, Fred-
erick F. Isenhour, b. 22 Maj^, 1862, in Filmore co., Minn., son of
George Alexander and wife, Merilla Knickerbocker (b. in Connecticut.
dau. of Samuel, a Continental soldier) ; George Alexander Isenhour was
b. in 1 83 1, in New York; his parents in 1837, moved to Canada, and in
1859. he settled in Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Isenhour
reside at 15 15 Summer St., Houston. Texas. Issue:
I. Roger B., b. 10 May, 1895.
IE Fay E., b. 8 Mar., 1898. in Wooster, Texas.

5th. William, b. 25 Aug., 1875; mar. Edna Rich of Sparta.
Wis.; has dau. Eois.

6th. John, b. 13 June, 1878.

7th. Charles, b. i Sept., 1880.

8th. Pansv, b. 25 Sept., 1882; d. 6 Apr., 1885.

9th. Earl, b. 6 Feb., 1886; d. 16 July, 1886.

10th. Claude W., b. 3 Apr., 1888; d. 29 Sept., 1888.

11th. Chde E., b. twin with Claude W.; d. 24 Aug., 1888.

12th. Sidnev B.. b. 16 Julv. 1890.

EIGHTH GENERATION.

FAMILY NO. 18.

From Family No. 7. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah.
Joshua, Daniel, Daniel, George.

George Brackett was born May 22, 1841, in Restigouchie, New
Brunswick; married in June, 1877, Etta E. Janes, born in 1858, daugh-
ter of Edwnn and wife, Melvina Kenned}'; is a lumberman and farmer;
resides in Edmunds, Washington, the site of which he purchased in
1876, and subsequently platted. He came to Seattle, Washington, in
1869, from which city his present home is sixteen miles distant. Issue:

JOSHUA, OF PRESUMPSCOT 243

1. George S., b. lo Mar., 1878.

2. Fanny B., b. 3 Aug., 1879.

3. Nellie E., b. 17 May, 1881.

4. Randa C, b. 24 Mar., 1882.

5. Edith, b. 28 Sept., 1891.

FAMILY NO. 19..

From Family No. 7. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Daniel, Daniel, Abraham.

Abraham Brackett of Elk Mound, Wis., was born in Restigouchie,
New Brunswick, in 1842. Married in 1874, Grace Dempster, born in
1845, died in 1882, daughter of William. Is a blacksmith; formerly
Lived in Eau Claire, Wis. Issue:

1. Daniel W., b. in 1875; mar. in 1900, Minnie Roscoe. Issue:
1st. Roy, b. in 1903.

2. Jennie M., b. in 1877.

3. James G., b. in 1878; mar. in 1901, Eillian Close. Issue:
1st. Max, b. in 1903.

4. Saul P., b. in 1880.
.5. George T., b. in 1882; d. in 1883.

FAMILY NO. 20.

From Family No. 7. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Daniel, Daniel, William.

William Brackett was born in September, 1852, in Canada; is a
real estate agent in Edmunds, Washington; has resided in county of
Buonaventure, province of Quebec, Eau Claire, Wis., and Seattle,
Wash., in the order named; married Jul}' 30, 1889, Anna Eee, born
July 25, 1 87 1, daughter of Harr}^ Lee and wife, Anna, of Lincoln,
Nebraska. Issue:

1. Willie, b. 10 Apr., 1891.

2. Horton, b. 15 Jan., 1893.

FAMILY NO. 21.

From Family No. 8. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Anthony, James, George C.

George Clark Brackett was born in Portland, Me., August 19,
1813; married Emity Douglass, born April 8, 1810, died April 30,
1893, daughter of Andrew D. and wife, Elizabeth Peacock, of Jeffer-
son, Me.; he was a truckman; lived in Portland; died January 15,
1 89 1. Issue:

1. Andrew Douglass, b. 16 Aug., 1837; mar. in i860, Eliza
Ann Brackett (see div. 7, fam. 22); lived in Portland to 1865, then in
Roxbury about 20 years; home, in Somerville, Mass.; is a carriage-
blacksmith. Issue:

1st. Carrie Ada, b. 16 July, 1866; mar. Waldo B. Judkins,
farmer; home, in Fayette, Me. Issue:

I. Dorothea, b. 26 Oct., 1900.

II. Inez, b. 15 Feb., 1902.

2nd. Charles Warren, b. in 1871; d. in 1872.

244 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

2. Elizabeth Waterhoiise, b. 6 Sept., 1839; mar. in 1863, Charles
Maverick, b. in 1836, d. in Sept., 1864, of j^ellow fever, four days off
Cuba, was mate of vessel; lives with brother Andrew D.

3. Rachael Augusta, b. i Sept., 1841; mar. Daniel F. Potter;
mar. (2nd) William Owen. Issue by ist husband:

1st. Fred A., mar. Hattie A. Mercur; lives in Portland; is con-
nected with news agency. Issue: Delmar; Edith; Demase.
Issue by 2nd husband, William Owen:

2nd. Frank Curtis, is married; lives in Eos Angeles, Cal.; has
dau. Yeulda, b. in 1904.

3d. Herbert W.; resides in Eewiston, Idaho.

4. Catherine J., b. 15 Feb., 1843; d. in Feb., 1865.

5. George Edward, b. in Jan., 1848; d. about 1852.

FAMILY NO. 22.

From Family No. 8. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Anthony, James, James, Jr.

James Brackett, Jr., was born in Portland, Me., December 5,
1816; died in 1872; removed from Saco to East Boston where he
engaged in the liquor business; married Deborah Earrabee of Durham,
Me., born in 18 16, died in 1896. Issue:

1. Eliza Ann, b. in 1838; mar. Andrew D. Brackett (see div. 7,
fam. 21).

2. Ellen Maria, b. in 1840; mar. William Norton; home, in Wash-
ington, D. C.

3. George H., b. in 1842.

4. Abby A., b. in 1845; mar. John E. H. Townsend; home, in
Biddeford, Me.

FAMILY NO. 23.

From Family No. 8. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Anthony, James, Edward.

Edward Brackett was born in Portland, January 31, 1819; mar-
ried Jerusha Hill; married (2nd) Sarah Hammond, daughter of Seth;
was a hackman in Portland; moved to Boston and kept a livery stable
on North Margin street; died about 1880. Issue, by ist wife:

1. Mary, b. in 1838; mar. William Norton. Issue:

1st. Abby, who married Eben Perry of Brighton, Mass.

2. James Edward, born 1840; mar. Mary Scott; manufacturer and
packer at 49 Edgewood street, Roxbury, Mass. No issue.

FAMILY NO. 24.

From Family No. 9. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Anthony, Zachariah, Alton C.

Alton C. Brackett was born March 15, 1827; married December
6, 1854, Sarah Ann Lunt, born April 14, 1820, died November 21, 1897,
daughter of Joshua and wife, Mercy Shaw, of West Falmouth; always
lived in Westbrook (formerly part of Falmouth) on the farm where
lived his ancestors; died July 20, 1893. Issue:
1. Hattie E., b. 27 Dec, 1855; d. 27 Oct., 1866.

JOSHUA, OF PRESUMPSCOT 246

2. Alfred A., b. 4 May, 1857; mar. 30 Aug., 1881, Nettie Had-
lock, b. 26 Aug., i860, dau. of Charles W. and wife, Melissa Wins-
low, of Portland; is a farmer; home, in West Gardiner. Issue:

1st. Alice Maud, b. 19 Nov., 1883; mar. i Jan., 1900, Harry B.
Hinkley.

2nd. Mary Pearl, b. 9 Sept., 1894.

3. Ida M., b. 11 Mar., i860; mar. John A. Tanner; home is the
farm which has been occupied by her ancestors for five generations,
near Riverton Park and a few miles from Portland.

FAMILY NO. 25.

From Family No. 10. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Abraham, Dennis, Dennis.

Dennis Brackett was born in 1834, in Waterford, Me.; died May
12, 1869, in Milan, N. H.; a farmer; married November 26, 1858,
Tryphena Lary, born March 22, 1836, died April 4, 1906, daughter
of Jotham and wife, Eliza J. Jackman. Issue:

1. D — A — , b. 15 Jan., i860; farmer and stock raiser in Jewell
city, Kas.; formerly resided in Carson, Kas.; mar. 30 Apr., 1884,
Alice Jordan, b. 14 Aug., i860, dau, of^ D. R. and wife, Mary Jen-
kins. Issue:

1st. Georgia, b. 30 Mar., 1889; d. 3 Dec, 1893.
2nd. Mary, b. 24 Oct., 1891.

2. Fannie, b. 11 Mar., 1862; mar. G. G. Harrison.

FAMILY NO. 26.

From Family No. 12. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Abraham, Abraham, Solomon S.

Solomon Strout Brackett was born in 1827; was a carriage-maker;
lived in lyimington, Gorham, and Westbrook; married Catherine
Meserve, born June 5, 1833, died Februar}^ 24, 1898, daughter of
Robert and wife, Mehitable Sawyer, of Gorham; died January 26,
1859. Widow married Tyng Wilson Dibby. Issue:

1. Dana A., b. 17 April, 1854, in Westbrook; is a dealer in mer-
chandise; lived in Westbrook, now resides in Gorham; mar. 5 Aug.,
1877, Mary L,. Usher, b. 27 Jan., 1856, dau. of Sidney A. and
wife, Mary Frances lyord, of Limerick. Issue:

1st, Tyng W., b. 25 June, 1882.
" 2nd. Flora K., b. 3 Oct., 1879.

FAMILY NO. 27.

From Family No. 14. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Joshua, Joseph, Joshua.

Joshua Brackett was born in Dimington, Me., May 26, 1814;
lived in Casco; married Sally Strout, who died July 2, 1832, daughter
of Samuel; married (2nd) Caroline Wright, born in 1812, who was liv-
ng in 1900; died February 21, 1899. Issue:

1. Madison B., b. 6 Mar., 1832; d. 2 July, 1832.

2. Jefferson B., b. 6 Mar., 1832. See family 40.

246 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

FAMILY NO. 28.

From Family No. 14. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Joshua, Joseph, Robert.

Robert Brackett was born in Raymond, Me., August 19, 181 7;
was a farmer in Casco and Naples; married April 14, 1839, Mary G.
Gammon, born August 31, 1818, died 27 June, 1881, daughter of John
and wife, Sarah Cook, of Raymond; died July 29, 1895. Issue:

1. Charles E., b. 19 Oct., 1839; married Elinor Tenney. Chil-
dren, Gertrude, b. in 1885; Frank, b. in 1887; and Eva, b. in 1890.

2. Maria E., b. 4 Dec, 1841; mar. G. M. Gay. Children, AHce
E., b. 3 May, 1866; Ernest L., b. 7 Sept., 1870; Richard C, b. 3
Jan., 1886.

3. Melvina D., b. 29 Aug., 1843; mar. George W. Bean. Chil-
dren, Florence M., b. 7 Nov., 1865; Hattie C, b. 14 Nov., 1875,
resides in Eynn, Mass.; Mary C, b. in July, 1877.

4. Isetta, b. 12 June, 1845; d. 10 May, 1846.

5. Mary J., b. 15 May, 1847; mar. 19 July, 1885, E- W. Holden,
b. 29 May, 1834, son of Eevi and wife, Anna Leach, of Casco; home,
in Casco, Me., where Mr. Holden keeps a general store. No issue.

6. Martha A., b. 15 May, 1847; mar. R. C. Gay. Children,
Richard E., b. 25 Aug., 1875; Merritt B., b. i Apr., 1880; and
Eyman W., b. 20 Nov., 1882.

7. Robert E.. b. 7 May, 1849; mar. Hattie E- Cook. Children,
Ruby M., b. 27 Jan., 1888; and Herman C, b. 28 Nov., 1893.

8. John G., b. 19 Nov., 1851; mar. (ist) Ellen Edwards; (2nd)
Emma Maxwell; (3d) Alice Caldwell. Children, Edgar F., b. 22
Sept., 1879; Ethel M., b. 23 Jan., 1881; Clarence G., b. 11 May,
1883; Etta C, b. 7 Nov., 1886; Elmer M.; Raymond J.; and Eula E.

9. Anna A., b. 20 June, 1854; mar. V. R. Edwards. Issue:
1st. Florence H. Edwards, b. 14 Mar., 1886.

10. Thomas F., b. 20 Apr., i860; d. i July, 1867.

FAMILY NO. 29.

From Family No. 14. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Joshua, Joseph, Samuel.

Samuel Brackett was born in Limington, Me., in 1827; is
deceased; married Sally G. Jackson, born in 1835; lived in Casco in
i860. Issue:

1. Elvira, b. in 1846.

2. George, b. in 1857; mar. 3 Nov., 1873, Miner^ra C. Clark, who
d. 26 Oct., 1892; is a farmer; lived in Casco, Me., and Salem, Mass.;
now resides in Otisfield, Me. Issue, not in order of birth:

1st. Eester Thomas, b. 29 Oct., 1879.

2nd. George Allen, b. 28 Oct., 188 1.

3d. Charles M., b. 2 Feb., 1890. These three children were
adopted 9 May, 1892, by Frederick Wm. Eee, engineer, and wife,
Eorinda M., of Salem, and their names were changed to Eee. Eor-
inda M. Eee was appointed their guardian Nov. 4, 1892.

4th. Eeroy, who d. 3 Dec, 1891, age four months.

5th. Mary I., who is dec.

6th. Bernard C, who d. in 1892, age three years.

7th. Baby boy, who d. in 1892, age two months.

JOSHUA, OF PRESUMPSCOT 247

FAMILY NO. 30.

From Family No. 15. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Joshua, Robert, Robert.

Robert Brackett was born in I^imington, Me., July 21, 1825; was
a farmer and carpenter; always lived in I^imington; married Eunice
F. Strout, born March i, 1830, died February 14, 1898, daughter of
Freeman and wife, Dorcas Thompson; died June 16, 1898. Issue:

1. Georgia Anna, b. 6 May, 1851; mar. Oilman S. Ilsley; home,
in Limington.

2. Caleb Page, b. 5 Mar., 1853.

3. Eliza Strout, b. 5 July, 1855; mar. Selden M. Guelaw; home,
in North Eimington.

4. Harry Herman, b. 14 Aug., 1856.

5. William Wallace, b. 14 Mar., 1858; mar. Abbie E. Moody.
(). Albert R., b. 4 Nov., i860; d. in Jan., 1864.

7. Ellen Florence, b. 26 June, 1862; mar. Edwin C. Small; home,
in Cornish, Me.

8. Albert Eee, b. 27 Feb., 1865; mar. Eizzie Richardson; home,
in Westbrook.

9. Cora Lizzie, b. 18 May, 1866; mar. 24 Mar., 1888, Herbert H.
Purington, b. 22 Apr., 1865, son of Stephen E. and wife, Eliza J.
Harmer; is a physician. Issue:

1st. Stephen Robert, b. i Oct., 1892.

10. Blanch Butler, b. 2 Mar., 1870; mar. 28 June, 1893, Oeorge

E. Files, b. 17 Feb., 1866, son of J. Wesley and wife, Mary S. Whit-
ney, of Oorham, Me.; is a farmer in Oorham. Issue:

1st. Earle Brackett, b. 18 Feb., 1897.
2nd. Philip Freeman, b. 21 Jan., 1899.

11. John Freeman, b. 28 Jan., 1872; mar. vSadie Harmon; home,
in Limington.

12. Alice Maude, b. 28 Apr., 1873.

FAMILY NO. 3L
From Family No. 15. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Joshua, Robert, James F.
James F. Brackett was born in Limington, March 16, 1833, where
he now resides; married May 15, 1858, Harriet O. Rounds, born Feb-
ruary 10, 1838, died March 3, 1879, daughter of Oerry and wife,
Marv Oage, of Buxton; married (2nd) November 25, 1880, Linda W.

F. Foss, daughter of Allen W. and wife, Harriet N. Frost, of Liming-
ton. Mr. Brackett was educated at the Limington academy and at
the New York Conference seminary; was three years a teacher in
Limington, Hollis and Saco, and engaged in trade in Limington for
six years. For three years he lived on a farm in Scarboro, which he
sold; then returned to Limington. He was town treasurer in 1883
and 1884, town auditor for some time, and town agent for a number
of years. In 1872, he was a member of the state legislature; has
serv-ed as countv commissioner three 3^ears, and was a member of the
governor's council from 1889 to 1892 inclusive. In the fall of 1894,
he was again elected to the state legislature. Issue:

1. Anson L., b. 23 Julv, 1859. vSee family 41.

2. Robert O., b. 11 Nov., 1862.

248 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

3. Frank A., b. 13 May, 1864; foreman of a shoe factory in
Bridgewater, Mass.; has lived in North Grafton and Whitman, Mass.;
mar, 16 June, 1894. Minnie Tribon, b. 25 Apr., 1861, dau. of William
and wife, Jennett Torrey, of Hanover, Mass.

4. Mary G., b. 26 Dec, 1868.

5. George M., b. 26 Dec., 1874; town clerk of Limington in 1906.

6. Harriet 'E., b. 22 Nov., 1882.

7. Guy A., b. 20 July, 1884.

8. Roy F., b. 26 July, 1886.

FAMILY NO. 32.

From Family No. 15. Descent: Anthony, Anthony. Zachariah,
Joshua, Joshua, Robert, Charles A.

Charles A. Brackett was born in I^imington, Me., September 10,
1836; is a farmer; married August 20, 1857, Frances W. lyibby, born
March 28, 1840, daughter of David S. and wife, Martha S. Small;
home, in L,imington. Issue:

1. Edward E., b. 4 Jan., 1863; mar. 15 Aug., 1888, Lizzie C.
Faulkner, b. 8 Feb., 1868; home, in Gorham. Issue:

1st. Louisa S., b. 2 Aug., 1889.

2nd. Arthur F., b. 28 Jan., 1893.

FAMILY NO. 33.

From Family No. 15. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Joshua, Robert, Frederic.

Frederic Brackett was born in Limington, June 20, 1838; is a
farmer; married June 9, 1863, Clara Moody, born September 6, 1845,
daughter of Walter H. and wife, Margaret Bradeen, of Limington;
home, in Limington. Issue:

1. Eflie E., b. II Aug., 1864; mar. 19 Apr., 1897, Charles Small;
home, in Limington. Issue:

1st. Florence E., b. 6 July, 1898.

2. Eunice F., b. 18 Apr., 1866; d. 12 Sept., 1889.

3. Gertrude C, b. 12 Sept., 1876.

4. Ruth M., b. 17 Mar., 1884.

FAMILY NO. 34.

From Family No. 16. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Joshua, Joshua, Joshua.

Joshua Brackett was born November 9, 1828; married January
6, 1850, Adelia B. Redlon, daughter of John B. and wife, Lucy Smith,
of Hollis; home, in Portland. Issue:

1. Atwood T., b. 17 Oct., 1850; mar. Emma Scamman. Children
are Lillian; Ethel; Leroy; Isabel; Clayton; Clifton.

2. John B., b. in Apr., 1855; is a tailor.

3. Charles E., b. 28 Nov., 1858; mar. Nellie Frost; is a jeweler;
home, in Knightville, Me.: has dau. Hattie.

4. Mary A., b. 21 Sept., 1865.

JOSHUA, OF PRESUMPSCOT 249

FAMILY NO. 35.

From Family No. 17. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Joshua, Samuel, Samuel.

Samuel Brackett was born in lyimington, Me., August i, 1828;
married November 17, 1848, Elizabeth lyibby, born January 26, 1823,
died in 1869, daughter of Captain Cyrus (born October 15, 1778, died
August 18, 1838, married December 23, 1800, Lois I^ibby.) Married
(2nd) ly. M. Fick, born June 8, 1847, daughter of John C. and wife,
Mary Ann Allen, of Port Huron, Mich. He died March 25, 1905;
was a magnetic healer of the Weltmer school; resided in Biddeford,
Me., Boston, Janesville, Wis., East Saginaw, Mich., Jefferson, la.,
in the order named; served in company I, 32d Wisconsin volunteer
infantry from August 9, 1862, to February 7, 1863. Issue:

1. Benjamin F., b. in 1857; mar. Martha Tinerdale; home, in
Jefferson, la. Issue:

1st. Frances Hazel, b. 23 Mar., 1894.

2nd. Gussie Ann, b. 5 Apr., 1899.

3d. Zebulon Franklin, b. 12 July, 1900.

2. Alice Abby, mar. 19 Oct., 1880, George Batchelder Libby,
son of Capt. Thomas L. Libby and wife, Mary E. Batchelder.

3. Essa Pearl, b. 4 Aug., 1875; mar. 11 Dec, 1895, Byron A.
Baker of Port Huron, Mich., traveling salesman, b. 9 Apr., 1870, son
of Schuyler and wife, Mar}^ Peake. No issue.

FAMILY NO. 36.

From Family No. 17. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Joshua, Samuel, John H.

John H. Brackett was born August 4, 1833, in Eimington, Me.;
is a carpenter in Biddeford; formerly lived in Ea Crosse, Wis.; enlisted
October 9, 1861, in company K, 13th Maine volunteer infantry and
discharged August 10, 1865; captured and confined in camp Tyler,
Texas; married (ist). May 27, 1853, Anna Flood; married (2nd)
Nellie Morrill, born in 1838, daughter of Aaron and wife, Julia Ann.
Issue:

1. Orlando, b. 16 Apr., 1857. See family 42.

2. Martha Washington, b. in Biddeford, 28 Aug., i860; mar. 15
Mar., 1878, Benjamin W. Merrill, b. in Hollis, Me., 3 Nov., 1855,
son of Joseph and wife, Sarah C. Jose, of Hollis, later of Saco, Me.; is
a stationary engineer; home, in Saco, Me. Issue:

1st. Ineze Mabel, b. 8 Oct., 1879; mar. 28 Aug., 1901, Roscoe
Day Fairfield; home in Biddeford, Me. Issue:

I. Esther Ramona, b. 10 Sept., 1902.

II. Sarah Hutchins, b. 3 Feb., 1904.

2nd. Frederick William, b. 22 Jan., 1883; d. 21 July, 1883.

3d. Grace Esther, b. 19 Mar., 1884.

4th. Guy Henry, b. 20 July, 1886.
5th. Faith Gladys, b. 19 Oct., 1891.

250 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

6th. Hampton Ethelard, b. 30 Apr., 1893.
7th. John Fremont Brackett, b. 18 Mar., 1900.

3. Ella, b. I Jan., 1862.

4. Miles Edwin, b. 26 Dec, 1870; mar. Eizzie Roberts; home, in
Biddeford. Issue:

1st. Ralph Edwin, b. 17 Nov., 1890.
2nd. Florence May, b. 21 June, 1892.

5. Samuel Eugene, b. 15 Apr., 1873; mar. Sarah Burg; home, in
Lowell. Issue:

1st. Elmer Eugene, b. 13 Oct., 1896.

6. Henry Albert, b. 19 Aug., 1875.

7. Ruth Anna, b. 28 Nov., 1878, in Biddeford, Me.; mar. 22 Dec,
1896, Harry Gordon, b. 8 July, 1877, son of Mark and wife, Ej'dia
Proctor, of Biddeford; is a stationary engineer; home, in Biddeford.
Issue:

1st. H. Maurice, b. 15 Apr., 1898.
2nd. Marion R., b. 16 May, 1899.

8. Nellie May, b. 4 Dec, 1881, in Biddeford; mar. 22 June, 1904,
John Haley, b. 16 Oct., 1863, son of Noah and wife, Eliza Poole,
of Biddeford; is a dealer in lobsters; home, in Biddeford.

FAMILY NO. 37.

From Family No. 17. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Joshua, Samuel, James M.

James M. Brackett was born in Eimington, Me., April 18, 1835;
married March 7, 1869. Emma Dickenson, died March 7, 1875, age
thirty-two years, daughter of William and wife, Sarah; married (2nd)
June 25, 1876, Eunice J. Doughty, daughter of Mark and wife, Phoebe
Styles; served in ist Wis. battery, light artillery, from January 3,
1863, to July 18, 1865; lived in Buxton, Biddeford, Me., Eawrence,
Eowell, Mass., Janesville and Ea Crosse, Wis., Chicago, and Wash-
ington, D. C; was a carpenter, and for several 3'ears was an employee
in the Pension Bureau; died in 1902. Issue:

1. Eva, b. 15 Oct., 1877; mar. William Griffin; d. 27 Nov., 1898.
Issue:

1st. WilHam Ernest, b. 6 Sept., 1898.

2. Harry U., b. 30 Jan., 1879.

FAMILY NO. 38.

From Family No. 17. Descent: Anthon^^ Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Joshua, Samuel, Charles A.

Charles A. Brackett was born in Eimington, in 1837; married
; lives in Cedar city. Mo.; is a commission merchant. Issue:

1. Fred, b. in 1863, in Iowa; mar. in 1898, Ollie Holt, b. in 1880,
dau. of William B. and wife, Virginia Norv^ell, of New Frankfort, Mo.;
is a barber; home in Cedar city. Mo. Issue:

1st. Marie, b. in 1899.

2. Frank, mar. Katie Wolf; home, in Tro^^ Mo.

3. Jennie, mar. W. A. Scott; home, in Roodhouse, 111.

4. Annie, mar. Joe Pickens; home, in Brunswick, Mo.; had Joe.

5. Clarence, not married.

JOSHUA, OF PRESUMPSCOT 251

FAMILY NO. 39.

From Family No. 17. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Joshua, Samuel, Nelson.

Nelson Brackett was born June 19, 1840; married August 15,

1859, Ellen , daughter of Francis , and wife, Mary , of

Fond du I^ac, Wis., born September 11, 1842. died February 16. 1867;
is a coal dealer; home, in Toledo, Ohio. Issue:

1. Adella, b. 14 July, 1861; mar. 22 June, 1889, August Labidda;
home, in Toledo.

2. William H., b. 4 Dec, 1863. See family 43.

3. Ellen, b. in March, 1865.
■4. Evaline, b. 3 May, 1866.

NINTH GENERATION.

FAMILY NO. 40.

From Family No. 27. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Joshua, Joseph, Joshua, Jefferson B.

Jefferson B. Brackett was born in Casco (then Raymond), March
6, 1832; lived in Casco until he was seventeen years old when he com-
menced teaching school; this occupation he followed for thirt}- years
in Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island; later years was in life
insurance business; is deceased; married February 21, 1857, Sarah E.
Hayes, born November 18, 1837, daughter of Wentworth and wife,
Olive Kimball, of Chelsea, Mass.; resided in Portland. Issue:

1. Joshua F., b. 15 Aug., 1858; mar. 23 Mar. 1881, Abbie E.
Rand, who d. 29 Aug., 1897, dau. of James Rand. Issue:

1st. May Belle, b. 26 May, 1887.

2. Elton J., b. 13 Nov., 1864; mar. 25 Feb., 1888, Efhe A.
McEean, who d. 6 Aug., 1899; she was a dau. of- Henry McEean
and wife, Minnie Soper, of Chesterville, Me. Issue:

1st. Efhe A., b. i Aug., 1891.

FAMILY NO. 41.

From Family No. 31. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Joshua, Robert, James F., Anson E.

Anson Eeslie Brackett was born in Eimington, Me., July 23,
1859; married April 17, 1881, Etta C. Wentworth, born December 12,
1863, in Eimington, daughter of Ivory and wife, Asenath M. B. Carll,
of Eimington; is a blacksmith; has Hved in East Sebago and Sebago
Eake; home, in Eimington. Issue:

1. Ivory Franklin, b. 8 Oct., 1882; d. 31 Dec, 1887.

2. Olive H., b. 30 Sept., 1883.

3. Inez Maria, b. 5 Jan., 1885; d. 2 Feb., 1885.

252 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

FAMILY NO. 42.

From Family No. 36. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Joshua, Samuel, John H., Orlando M.

Orlando Milton Brackett was born April 16, 1857, in Chicago,
Illinois; married December 25, 1884, Anna M. Trine, born June 7,
1863. daughter of Aaron L. and wife, Sally Rumple, of Hamilton, Ohio;
is a carpenter; for several years he resided and worked at his trade in
Norwalk, Ohio, where he is well and favorably known; during the
summer of 1905, he removed to Biddeford, Me. Issue:

1. Elsie, b. 9 Oct., 1885.

2. Earl, b. 27 Aug., 1887.

3. Elmer, b. 14 Nov., 1889.

4. Ernest, b. 23 Mar., 1894.

5. Eugene, b. 12 Feb., 1896.

6. Evert, b. 16 Nov., 1898.

FAMILY NO. 43.

From Family No. 39. Descent: Anthony, Anthony, Zachariah,
Joshua, Joshua, Samuel, Nelson, William H.

William H. Brackett was born December 4, 1863; married May
4, 1884, Annie Donahue; home, in Toledo, Ohio. Issue:

1. William Nelson, b. 23 Feb., 1885.

2. Earl Eewis, b. 14 Feb., 1887.

3. Evelina, b. 28 Jan., 1889.

4. Robert Clarence, b. 27 Nov., 1890.

5. Roy Eeo, b. 25 Aug., 1893.

6. Annie May, b. i Jan., 1896.

7. Ellen Evangeline, b. in Feb., 1898.

JOHN, OF BERWICK 253

DIVISION NO. 8.

JOHN BRACKETT OF BERWICK AND HIS

DESCENDANTS.

SIXTH GENKRATION.

FAMILY NO. 1.

From Chapter VIII. Descent: Anthony, Thomas, Samuel, Samuel,
John.

John Brackett was born June 29, 1720, baptized January 21,
1728; died February 18, 1814. He perhaps served in King George's
war, though it is not known in what organization or in what capacity
he served. He was a person of social distinction in the locality where
he resided. Was a farmer; always lived in Berwick. The land
which he cleared and on which he dwelt and raised his family is
owned by one of his descendants in the male line.

He married July 4, 1745, Miriam Thompson, born January 26,
1723, baptized March 23, 1727, died December 2, 1810, was daughter
of Miles; he was born Februarj- 15, 1689, married February 14, 1713,
Abigail Gowen, was son of Bartholomew Thompson; he was living in
Berwick in 1723, mentioned as deceased in 1748, was son of Miles; he
was in Boston in May, 1643, in South Berwick in 1656, married Ann
(born in 1635, living in 1717), was living in 1702.

Abigail Gowen who married Miles Thompson, was born April 12,
168-, was daughter of Nicholas; he was born in 1668, deputy to the
general court in 1709, married Abigail Hodsdon, died in 1742, was
son of William; he w^as in Kittery in 1666, married Elizabeth Frost,
died April 2, 1686.

Abigail Hodsdon who married Nicholas Gowen, was daughter of
Benoni; he was of Berwick, baptized December 5, 1647, married
Abigail Curtis, probably was son of Nicholas; he was in Hingham,
Mass., in 1635, in Watertown, Mass.. in 1650, in Kittery, Me., in
1655, later lived near Birchpoint brook. South Berwick, perhaps was
killed by the Indians in an attack on Wells in 1704, wife was Esther
Wines.

Abigail Curtis who married Benoni Hodsdon was daughter of
Thomas; he lived in York, Me., will proved in 1706; wife's name
was Elizabeth.

Elizabeth Frost who married May 14, 1667, William Gowen, was
born in May, 1640, Hving in 1733, was daughter of Nicholas Frost,
the immigrant. Issue:

1. John, b. 19 Sept., 1746; bapt. 23 Aug., 1747; mar. 29 Nov.,
1779, Eunice Wentworth; d. 8 Feb., 1830; farmer, always hved in
Berwick; ser%'ed several terms of enlistments as a soldier in the Conti-
nental army; his wife died in early life. The censuses show that he
lived alone for many years. No issue.

2. James, b. 12 Mar., 1748. See family 2.

3. Daniel, b. 2 Mar., 1750. See family 3.

254 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

4. Miles, b. 6 May, 1752. See family 4.

5. Nathan, b. 26 Aug., 1754. See family 5.

6. Moses, b. 26 Mar., 1756. See family 6.

7. Miriam, b. 23 May, 1758; mar. 26 Feb., 1778, Morrell Hobbs
of Berwick, b. 23 Nov., 1753; d. 20 Oct., 1826; lived in Harrison,
Me.; she d. 18 Apr., 1836. Issue: eleven children, viz., Reuben;
Abigail; Henry; Joseph L.; Miriam B.; Polly; Susan; Morrell, Jr.;
Charlotte; John; and Sally. Abigail mar. Benjamin Sanborn; their
daughter Almira Sanborn mar. Charles R. Stubbs of Portland and
had issue:

1st. Albert R., b. 15 May, 1841; unmar.; home, in Portland;
librarian of the Maine Genealogical society.
2nd. Mary A., b. i June, 1843; unmar.
3d. Francis J., b. 17 Oct., 1852; mar. Elizabeth Courteney.

8. Abigail, b. 27 Oct., 1761; mar. 7 Aug., 1788, Jacob Remick,
son of Nathaniel and wife, Jane Libby.

9. Mary, b. 17 Mar., 1764; never mar.

10. Anna, b. 4 May, 1766; never mar.; d. 20 Jan., 1826.

11. Susannah, b. 5 May, 1768, mar. Moses Smith of Berwick; d.
I Oct., 1854.

SEVENTH GENERATION.

FAMILY NO. 2.

From Famil}^ No. i. Descent: ^nthony, Thomas, Samuel, Samuel,
John, James.

James Brackett was born March 12, 1748, in Berwick; baptized
September 8, 1749; some records give as date of his birth March 17,
1748. Was commonly called James, Jr., to distinguish him from his
uncle. Deacon James Brackett who, until about 1794, resided in Ber-
wick. James, Jr., early in life became prominent in public town mat-
ters, held several town oiBces; was selectman in years 1795, 1796, 1798,
1799, 1800, 1 80 1, 1802, 1803, and 1804. He settled in North Ber-
wick where he acquired a good estate; the farm w^hich he cleared and
owned, is now the property of one of his descendants, David H.
Brackett; died March 27, 1831. Married December 23, 1773, Anna
Stillings, born May 4, 1754, died January 20, 1826. Issue:

1. John, b. 18 Aug., 1774. See family 7.

2. James, b. 18 June, 1777. See family 8.

3. Abigail, b. 2 Nov., 1779; mar. in 1803, Chadbourne Pray; d.
9 Oct., 1830.

4. Isaac, b. 7 Aug., 1782. See family 9.

5. Anna, b. i Feb., 1785; mar. 6 Mar., 1807, Andrew Neal, Jr., of
York.

6. Levi, b. 16 Jul^^ 1787. See family 10.

7. Miriam, b. 31 December, 1789; mar. 2 Aug., 1809, John Hall,
Jr., b. 14 July, 1786, d. 14 Dec, 1858; she d. 29 Oct., 1853. Issue:

1st. Mary, b. 2 Dec, 1810; d. 15 Mar., 1817.
2nd. Silas, b. 15 June, 1812; d. 13 Aug., 1812.

3d. Silas, b. 13 Sept., 1815; married Hannah ; d. i July,

1878. Issue:

JOHN, OF BERWICK 255

I. John, is dec. II. Abbie, is dec, mar. Thomas Abbott,
had Charles; Fannie, is dec; Fred; Esther; Edward, is dec; Eouise!
is dec. III. Sarah Ann, mar. Albert Estes; had Frank of North
Berwick. IV. Emma, mar. John Chadbourne; had Emma. V.
lionise, mar. 20 Jan., 1876, Charles E. Fall; had Uon L-, b. 24 Nov.,
1876; Bertha M.. b. 28 Mar., 1879 (mar. 15 June, 1900, Benj. f'.
Thompson, had Mildred Thompson, b. 15 Mar., 1901, and Edna B.
Thompson, b. 24 Oct.. 1902); Ethel I^. Fall, b. 12 Mar., 1888; Emma
H. Fall, b. 16 Apr., 1891; all reside in Lebanon, Me. VI. Eizzie,
mar. Josiah Morrell. No issue; resides in North Berwick. VII.
John P., is dec

4th. Brackett, b. 13 Sept., 1815; d. 25 Apr., 1900; mar. 27
Mar., 1842, Abigail Hall; upon her dec. he mar. (2nd) 27 Nov., 1859,
Mary A. Emery. Issue, all who are living, reside in North Berwick:
I. Mary Ann, b. i Jan., 1844; d. 2 Aug., 1893; mar. James
Joynes; had Abbie E. Joynes, b. 11 May, 1878. II. Abbie M., b. 23
Apr., 1849; mar. 24 June, 1903, Hosea S. Merrifield. III. John
Brackett, b. 3 Jan., 1851. IV. Elmer E., b". 25 Mar., 1861; d. 8
Feb., 1886. V. Davis WilHams, b. 17 Mar., 1865. VI. Frank
Emer}', b. 15 Oct., 1872.

5th. Stacy, b. 8 Dec, 18 19; mar. 30 Oct., i860, Abbie Lewis
Crosby, who d. 16 Nov., 1899. Issue: I. Stacy Lewis, b. 4 Oct.,
1861; mar. 12 Nov., 1890, Myra Johnson Tupper; resides in Boston,
Mass.; had Ralph vStacy, V). 15 Mar., 1892; Marion, b. 22 Mar., 1894,
d. in May, 1895; Howard Brackett, b. 16 Feb., 1897. II. Edith
Marion, b. 8 June, 1864. III. Frank Crosby, b. 18 Mar., 1869; d. i
June, 1876. IV.- Harry Stanley, b. 27 June, 1873; d. 13 Jan., 1875.
V. Maria Curtis, b. 23 July, 1876, d. 24 Jan., 1895.

6th. John, b. 2 Oct., 1822 ; d. 17 July, 1902; mar. 28 May, 1846,
Joanna H. Fernald, who d. 8 Mar., 1893. Issue: I. Olive Ann, b.
18 May, 1847; mar. James L. Woodsom; resides in North Berwick;
had George Ashley. II. George Henry, b. 2 Mar., 1849; mar. 8
June, 1880. Kate L. Cummock; resides in Berwick; had Walter
Cummock, b. 5 May 1881; George Harold, b. 8 Mar., 1885, d. 29
Apr., 1904; twin sons, b. and d. 5 July, 1883; Annie A., b. 19 Aug.,
1886; Mary, b. 4 July, 1888. Ili. Miriam, b. 11 Apr., 1851; mar. 24
Oct., 1876^ Oilman N. Deering; reside in Saco, Me.; children, Ethel
M., b. Nov., 1879; Joanna F.. b. 12 Aug., 1881; William H., b. 21
July, 1886. IV. Frances Esther, b. 9 July, 1855. V. Joanna Hurd,
b. 13 Dec, 1857; mar. 28 Mav, 1887, James O. McCorison; resides in
North Berwick; had Edith M., b. 17 Jan., 1891, d. 30 Aug., 1891;
John H., b. 23 Julv, 1892; James L-, b. 25 Jan., 1894, d. 8 Feb.,
1894; James O. b. '15 Mav, 1895. VI. Ella Josephine, b. i Dec,
i860; mar. 11 June, 1^887, Nathaniel S. Austin, resides in North Ber-
wick; had EHzabeth. VII. John, b. 21 Sept., 1864. VIII. Stacy,
b. 26 Mar. 1867.

7th. Sarah Ann. b. 9 Jan., 1826; mar. Wilson T. Fall; d. i
Nov., 1853. Issue: I. Humphrey W., b. 28 Jan., 1848; mar. Jane
B. Malcolm; resides in Chicago; had Bertha; d. 25 Mar., 1878;
Mary, d. 7 Apr., 1879; Miriam, d. 16 Apr., 1882; Humphrey W., b.
7 Apr., 1883; Robert, b. 29 June, 1885, d. 22 Apr., 1903; Sarah A.,
d. 26 Jan., 1889; Jeannette, d. 9 Aug., 1891; twins Jeannette and
Frances, b. 7 Oct., 1893. II. John Hall Fall, b. 11 Dec, 1852; d.
18 Feb., 1898.

256 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

8th. Mary Esther, b. 21 July, 1829; mar. 24 July, 1857, S. A.
Hubbard; she d. 8 Apr., 1867. Issue: I. Charles A., b. 2 May, 1859;
mar. 29 Dec, 1888, lyizzie E. Brown; resides in North Berwick; had
Edith M., b. 19 June, 1890; C. Roscoe, b. 2 June, 1891; Doris A., b.
13 July, 1904. II. Miriam, b. 27 Aug., 1862; d. 30 Mar., 1886.
III. John v., b. 12 Sept., 1863; d. 23 Jan., 1896; mar. 27 Oct., 1890,
Josie ly. Armstrong. IV. Mary Esther, b. 25 Nov., 1866; mar. in
July, 1887, George A. Brown.

9th. Orin, b. 30 Oct., 1831; d. 29 Sept., 1853.

8. Molly, b. 24 Apr., 1791; d. in Nov., 1806.

9. Ebenezer, b. 17 Aug., 1793. See family 11.

10. Susannah, b. 18 Jan., 1796; mar. i Dec, 1814, Silas Heard, Jr.;
who d. I Dec, 1857, age, 70 years; she d. 2 Aug., i860. Issue:

1st. James B., d. 2 June, 1858.
2nd. Mary, d. 18 Jan., 1891.
3d. Dorcas, d. 3 Jan., 1892.
4th. Susan, b. 15 Aug., 1822.
5th. Ann, d. 27 Mar., 1895.

FAMILY NO. 3.

From Family No. i. Descent: Anthony, Thomas, Samuel, Samuel,
John, Daniel.
Daniel Brackett was born March 2, 1750, in Berwick; baptized
April II, 1750; was a member of the Second church, from which he
and his wife withdrew August 23, 1795, to join the church in Shap-
leigh. Me. At the time he had been a resident of Shapleigh for sev-
eral years; the census of 1790 shows him living there; he married in
Berwick Nov. 3, 1774, Mary Andrews; married (2nd) Lydia Merrow;
was a school teacher; had a withered arm; continued to live • in
Shapleigh until his death, which occurred between 1800 and 18 10.
The part of the town where he lived is now Acton. Issue by first wife,
not in order of birth:

1. Mary Ann, mar. Pinkham; no issue.

2. Susan, never mar.

3. Polly.

4. Jemima, mar. Stillings; had Elizabeth who mar. Stillings; and
Samuel, who for many years was a builder and contractor in Bos-
ton; he had children, Samuel; Augusta; Oscar; Daniel; Albert;
Dora.

5. Benjamin, who died young and unmar.
Issue by second wife:

6. Ivor3^ b. 25 Nov., 1788. See family 12.

7. Betsey, who mar. Jacob Crockett; had a large f amity, of whom
John Crockett lives at New Durham, N. H.

8. Isaac, mar. Frances Dow; she survived him and d. in 1882;
had one child, which d. in infancy.

9. Lucinda. mar. Ebenezer Bickford. Issue:
1st. Charles, who died in the civil war.
2d. Jackson, inmate of a soldier's home.

3d. Elizabeth, mar. Willard Morse, had one child only, a girl;
she was adopted by a man and his wife with the intention that the
child never should learn that she was not their offspring.

JOHN, OF BERWICK 257

FAMILY NO. 4.

From Family No. i. Descent: Anthony, Thomas, Samuel, Samuel
John, Miles.

Miles Brackett was born May 6. 1752; baptized November 10,
1752; was a farmer; always lived in Berwick; married January 26,
1775, I.ydia Keay, born August 7, 1754, died August 22, 183 1; he
died March 4, 1827. Issue:

1. Miriam, b. 12 Apr., 1776; d. in Oct., 1776.

2. Samuel, b. 16 Dec, 1777. See family 13.

3. Miles, Jr., b. 26 Sept., 1780. See family 14.

4. Hannah, b. 19 Dec, 1783; mar. 9 Dec, 1802, Joseph Heard,
b. 2 Nov., 1779, d. 5 Feb., 1850, son of Joseph and wife, Sarah Went'-
worth. Children, Sarah; Lydia; Miles; Paul; Jane; and John.

5. John, b. 28 Jan., 1785. See family 15.

(5. Jacob, b. 15 Mar., 1787; d. in June, 1789.

7. Susannah, b. 29 Nov., 1790; mar. 2 Aug., 1810, Wilham
Chadbourne; she d. 10 Oct., 1876. Issue:

1st. Melinda, b. 23 May, 181 1. 2nd. Isa'iah, b. 10 Feb., 1813.
3d. Francis, b. 19 Mar., 1815. 4th. OHve, b. 29 Oct., 1817. 5th.
John, b. 20 Oct., 1820. (ith. Hannah J., b. 6 Oct., 1822. 7th.
Dydia, b. 26 Aug., 1824. 8th. Lydia B., b. 26 Aug., 1827.

8. David, b. 18 July, 1793. See family 16.

FAMILY NO. 5.

From Family No. 1. Descent: Anthony, Thomas, Samuel, Samuel,
John, Nathan.

Nathan Brackett was born in Berwick, August 26, 1754. Served
as a private in Captain Ebenezer Sulhvan's company. Colonel James
Scammon's regiment; enlisted July 17, 1775; name on muster roll
dated August 8, 1775; service, fifteen days. Received order for
bounty coat or its equivalent in money, dated Cambridge, December
20, 1775. Served in Captain Samuel Grant's company. Colonel
Storer's regiment; enhsted August 14, 1777; discharged November 30,
1777, at Queman's heights; served four months and three days with
Northern army. Married August 6, 1778, Mary Hurd, born 1757,
daughter of Benjamin (son of James and wife Deborah, son of Benja-
min, son of John) born August 2, 1785, in Dover, N. H., and wife,
Mary Wiley, daughter of Samuel and wife, Sarah, of Durham, N. H.
Was a farmer; moved from Berwick to Shapleigh; was in the latter
town as early as 1790. He died Feb. 17, 1837. Issue:

1. Mariam. b. 5 Feb., 1779; d. unmar., in June, 1852.

2. Benjamin, b. in 1780; never mar.; will dated 8 Oct., 1844; d.
21 Aug., 1848.

3. Mary, mar. in 1813, John Gower.

4. Nathan, b. in 1784. See family 17.

5. John, b. II Apr., 1787. See family 18.

6. James Hurd, b. in 1790. See family 19.

7. Deborah, mar. 13 Jan., 1809, Benjamin Dore; d. 26 Nov., 1865.

8. Phebe, b. 30 Jan., 1795; mar. John Lary; d. 2 Nov., 1873.

9. Abigail, b. 12 June, 1797; mar. Moses Brackett; d. 7 Sept.,
1879. Issue (see fam. 20).

258 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

FAMILY NO. 6.

From Family No. i. Descent: Anthony, Thomas, Samuel, Samuel,
John, Moses.

Moses Brackett was born March 26, 1756, in Berwick; married
October 16, 1788. Sarah Hurd, daughter of Benjamin (son of James
and wife, Deborah, son of Benjamin, son of John) and wife, Marj-,
daughter of Samuel Willey and wife, Sarah, of Durham, N. H.
Moses married the second time; wife's name, unknown; was a farmer;
settled in Clinton, Kennebec county. Me.; upon his second marriage,
he moved to Gardiner, Me. Issue, by first marriage, not in order of
birth:

1. Moses, b. in 1792. See family 20.

2. Aaron, never mar.; d. at age of 50 years.

3. Mariam, who mar. Nelson.

4. Mar}^ who mar. Twombley.

5. vSarah, who mar. Simon D. Brackett (see div. 12, fam. 16).
Issue, by second marriage, not in order of birth: Nancy; Martha,
who mar. Thomas Rogers; Betsey.

EIGHTH GENERATION.

FAMILY NO. 7.

From Family No. 2. Descent: Anthony, Thomas, Samuel, Samuel,
John, James, John.

John Brackett was born in Berwick, August 18, 1774; was a
farmer in Parsonsfield, York county, Me., in which place he died
April 3, 1803. Married July 2, 1800, Betsey Fogg, born May 27,
1779, died in 1850, daughter of James and wife, Anne Remick; he
was born June 23, 1731, married September 23, 1756, died in 1805,
lived in Berwick, was son of James Fogg; he was born March 17,
1704, married October 28, 1728, Elizabeth Fernald, died December
24, 1787, lived on homestead in Eliot, was son of Daniel Fogg; he
was born April 16, 1660, married about 1684, Hannah lyibby of Scar-
borough, daughter of John (born 1602, died 1682, in employ of John
Winter 1635-9, at Richmond island), died June 9, 1755, moved to
Scarborough, thence to Portsmouth, thence to Kittery, settled in
what is now Eliot, was son of Samuel Fogg; he was born Februarj^
20, 1605, married October 12, 1652, Ann Shaw (who died about
1661), came in 1630, from Exeter, England, with Winthrop, to Bos-
ton; in Hampton 1638, one of the first there.

Anne Remick, who married James Fogg, was born July 17, 1738,
was daughter of Isaac Remick; he was born February, 14, 1705,
married September 26, 1726, Anna Allen, was a shipwright, lived on
Eliot's neck, belonged to Col. John Wheelwright's detachment of
scouts, which served in the Indian war of 1722-5; was son of Joshua
Remick; he was born April 24, 1672, married December 21, 1693, at
Amesbury, Mass., Ann Lancaster, lived on the home place on Eliot's
neck, was son of Christian Remick; he was the immigrant from Eng-
land, or Holland, born 1631, was in Kittery at early date, settled on
Eliot's neck, was several times selectman; wife's Christian name was
Hannah.

JOHN, OF BERWICK 259

Elizabeth Fernald, who married James Fogg, Sr., was born
September 8, 1706, died in 1766, was daughter of James Fernald; he

was born about 1675, married Mary (who died about 1740),

died about 1740, was son of John Fernald; he was born about 1642,
married Marj^ Spinney, died April 19, 1687, was a cordwainer, was
son of Reginald Fernald; he came to Portsmouth as surgeon with
colonists sent by Captain John Mason, died in 1656, wife's name was
Joan.

Mary Spinney was daughter of Thomas, the immigrant; he
married about 1651, Margary (perhaps, Randall), lived at end of
Eliot's neck, was called a weaver, died August 31, 1701, age sixty-
nine years. Issue:

1. Anna, b. 13 Apr., 1801; was living in 1898; mar. Silas Cart-
land, b. 19 Mar., 1798, son of Peletiah and wife, Anna Hanson; had
children, Asa; John B.; James; Silas H.; Elizabeth; Anna; Joseph
D.

2. John, b. 4 June, 1803. See family 21. ,

FAMILY NO. 8.

From Family No. 2. Descent: Anthony, Thomas, Samuel, Samuel,
John, James, James.

James Brackett was born in Berwick, June 18, 1777; married
Betsey Brackett, nee Fogg, his brother's widow; was a farmer in Par-
sonsfield. Me., where he died in 1844. Issue:

1. James, b. 10 June, 1805. See family 22.

2. Susan, b. 11 Nov., 181 1; date of death not learned; mar. 1847,
Samuel M. Bradbury, b. in 1804. d. 22 Sept., 1888, son of James and
wife, Ann Moulton. Children, James Otis; Eva; Carrie; Frank M.;
lyizzie.

3. Elizabeth, b. in 1821; also mar. Samuel M. Bradbury; d. in
1900; home, in Limington, Me.

FAMILY NO. 9.

From Family No. 2. Descent: Anthony, Thomas, Samuel, Samuel,
John, James, Isaac.

Isaac Brackett was born August 7, 1782, in Berwick; lived in
North Berwick, where he died subsequently to i860; was commonly

called Deacon Isaac. Married (ist) ; married (2nd)

Rebecca Langley, widow of Amos Langley, Sr., nee Eibby, born
June 24, 1798, died July 19, 1848, daughter of James of Berwick, and
wife, Hannah Woodsum. Issue:

1. Mary, b. in 1807; never mar.; living in 1880.

2. Sarah S., b. in 1828; mar. Amos Eangley, Jr., (see fam. 11).
Issue:

1st. Mary E., b. about 1868.

2nd. Walter M., b. about 1872.

3. Dorcas, b. about 1836.

260 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

FAMILY NO. 10.

From Family No. 2. Descent: Anthony, Thomas, Samuel, Samuel,
John, James, Levi.

Levi Brackett was born in Berwick, July 16, 1787; married
August 18, 1807, Mercy Hall, born April 6, 1789, died April 27, 1880,
daughter of Silas and wife, Sarah Clements; was a farmer; home, in
North Berwick; died August 24, 1857. Issue:

1. Silas, b. 8 Feb., 1809. See family 23.

2. James, b. 14 Jan., 1811. See family 24.

3. Ann, b. 13 Apr., 1813; mar. in Nov., 1837, Oliver Nutter, b.
29 June, 1812, d. 10 June, 1892, son of Jacob and wife, Elizabeth
Johnson, of North Berwick; a farmer in Alfred, Me; she d. 24 Apr.,
1900. Issue:

1st. Mary E. Nutter, b. 22 Jan., 1840; mar. S. M. Day; home,
in Milford, Mass. Children, Walter C; and Annie, who mar. Kay.

2nd. Joseph B., b. 8 Dec, 1841; mar. Lucy Allen; home, in
Boston. Children, Frank and Lucy.

3d. James J., b. 6 Oct., 1843; mar. J F. Day, dau. of Robert

and wife, Edna Littlefield; lived in Alfred; now a farmer in Mendon,
Mass. Issue: I. Elsworth, b. 15 Oct., 1867. II. Evelyn J., b.
12 Dec, 1869. III. Jennie L. J., b. i6July, 1871. IV. Newton, b.
18 Aug., 1872. V. Grace G., b. 11 May, 1875. VI. Nettie E.,
b. 6 Sept., 1876.

.4th. Oliver G., b. in Apr., 1845; mar. Abbie Gary.

5th. JohnT., b. 27 Aug., 1846; mar. 13 May, 1871, Emma F.
Allen; home, in Alfred. Issue:

I. Helen N., b. 6 Apr., 1872; mar. 24 Feb., 1897, Harrison
H. Fairfield. Child, Harrison N., b. 26 Mar., 1901.

II. Carrie M., b. 26 July, 1874; mar. 24 Nov., 1894, Henry
E. Wentworth; d. 12 May, 1902.

III. George W., b. 26 Apr., 1877.

IV. Herbert A., b. 23 Aug., 1879.

V. Marcus O., b. 11 Sept., 1882.

4. John, b. 21 Dec. 1815. See family 25.

5. Sarah, b. 13 May, 181 8; mar. George W. Kea3'S; d. in South
Berwick, i May, 1881. No issue.

6. Olive, b. 23 May, 1823; mar. Thomas Hammond; is dec; she
d. in South Berwick, 30 Oct., 1899. Children, Levi B.; Charles M.;
Hattie; and Nettie, who mar. G. H. Hill; all dec.

7. Mary, b. 14 Apr., 1825; d. 21 Sept., 1829.

8. David, b. 14 Mar., 1827; d. 27 Aug., 1829.

9. Levi K., b. 8 Apr., 1832. See family 26.

FAMILY NO. 11.

From Family No. 2. Descent: Anthony, Thomas, Samuel, Samuel,
John, James, Ebenezer.
Ebenezer Brackett was born in Berwick, August 17, 1793; resided
in North Berwick, where he died February 24, 1869; was a farmer;
married (ist) Miriam Gowen, who died; married (2nd) September 14,
1826, Francis Libby, born December 28, 1803, died December 28,

1 87 1, daughter of David and wife, Alice . Issue:

1. Martha, b. in 1817; d. in Oct., 1898.

JOHN, OF BERWICK 261

2. Isaac, b. in 1821; never mar.; d. in Aug., 1889.

3. Catharine, b. 5 Aug., 1827; mar. Amos Langley; d. in Apr.,
1857. Issue:

1st. Melissa, b. about 1850.
2nd. Fannie, b. about 1852.
3d. Susan, b. about 1856.

4. Eben, b. 27 Aug., 1829; d in Oct.,,1851.

5. Emeline, b. 10 June, 1833; mar. Amos Langlev; d. in Sept.,
1859.

6. Libby E., b. 10 Jan., 1836; mar. Martha Hanscom; d. 26 Sept.,
1893. Issue:

1st. Catharine, who mar. Currier.
2nd. Eben H., who d. unmar.
3d. Myra A., who mar. Goss.

7. Charles E., b. 17 Apr., 1843. vSee f amity 27.

FAMILY NO. 12. "

From Family No. 3. Descent: Anthony, Thomas, Samuel, Samuel,
John. Daniel, Ivory.

Ivory Brackett was born November 25, 1788, in Shapleigh, Me.;
his father removed to Wolfboro, N. H.; there he grew to manhood
and married, in 1814, Sally Willey, -born September i, 1790, died
April 22, 1867, daughter of Nathaniel and wife, Dorothy Quimby, of
Wolfboro, N. H. After the birth of his second child, in Wolfboro,
he removed to Bingham, Me., then to Blanchard, back to Bingham,
then to Waterville, Me., where he died August 23, 1869. Was a
farmer, and while he lived in Waterville, a drayman. '"A man of
most sterling qualities," writes his daughter, Mrs. Soule, who con-
tinues:—

"Of a ver}' mild disposition, bearing anything rather than com-
plain or quarrel, he was yet most uncompromising in a struggle for
the right * * * He was very active in the so-called Washingtonian
temperance movement many years ago. He had a most generous
heart, always keeping open house for all, but j^et so inflexible was his
rule for Sabbath observance that invited guests got only lunch — no
cooking or unnecessar}' work ever being done on that day. In relig-
ious belief he was a Free Will Baptist, and at the time of his death
was deacon of the F. W. church at Fairfield; he was connected with
that denomination from early life. The arrival of the 'Morning Star,'
the Free Will Baptist organ, was one of the star events of my earliest
childhood, when we had very little to read * * * .

In person he was above the average height; in his youth I should
judge he was six feet; of commanding presence, prominent features
and dark sallow complexion. These personal traits have been very
marked in many of the family I have met * * * . In our own family
and its succeeding generations, so far, every one has married a pro-
nounced blonde, and 3^et no blue-eyed child has ever appeared; thej^
all hark back to the black-eyed ancestor. Another family trait is the
early blanching of the hair. We are all gra}^ at twenty and white
before fifty.

His carryall was like a bird's nest for the children peeping out on
all sides whenever he was on the road. I believe it was true of my

262 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

father that 'none knew him but to love him,' and I am proud and
glad to tender this tribute to his memory."

It was through the recollections of one of those children who rode
in, and clung on behind, his carryall, that the writer was able to find
one of his descendants. As the locating, by a genealogist, of a mem-
ber of some branches of a family, is the result of accident and chance,
it may be of interest and not out of place, to relate how in this
instance the whereabouts of one of the two sur\aving children of Ivory
Brackett were learned. The story is similar to that of many experi-
ences of the kind, with Hke results, in the particular of their turning
upon some inconsequential word or act which leads to another and
another, until the genealogist, ever with ear and eye open, seizes
upon the possible clue or means of aid, and follows, or utilizes the one
or the other, to the end, or to good purpose, respectively. One morn-
ing in August, 1902, the writer was a passenger on a steamer up the
Kennebec and in sight of Gardiner, patiently waiting for the tide to
lift the steamer off a sandbar. While sitting on the deck he engaged
in conversation an elderly gentleman, a Mr. Fernald, from Watervnlle,
Me., who said he had "always lived in Waterville." When asked if
he ever knew an Ivory Brackett, he at first said that he never had,
and asked to know his business. When told that he was a drayman,
Mr. Fernald said: — "Ah! I remember him very well; when I was a
boy I used to hang onto his dray — all the children did because he
let them." He further recollected that — "he was quite a hand to
exhort at meetings, was a good speaker." Also knew that he had
daughters but did not know he had sons (sons were several years
older than was Mr. Fernald); yes, he well remembered one of the
daughters; knew whom she married, and thought he could find her;
would try and find where she was living. A postal card addressed to
the writer was given him. A few weeks later he wrote a postal, say-
ing that a Mr. Soule in Maiden, Mass., could, perhaps, tell what was
wanted. Said Mr. Soule was written to, who answered, .saying that
Mr. or Mrs. George H. Soule of Fitchburg, Mass., was the person
who was searched for. The Soules of Fitchburg were written to.
In answer came a letter from Mrs. Silence J. Soule, and the desired
data relative to her branch of the family. Issue:

1. Charles T., b. 25 Apr., 1815. See family 28.

2. Nathaniel W., b. 14 Nov., 1816. See family 29.

3. Mary Ann, b. 19 Oct., 1818; never mar.; d. 23 Aug., 1874.

4. lyydia Tasker, b. 6 Sept., 1820; never mar.; d. 12 Jan., 1875.

5. Mehitable Churchill, b. 17 Aug., 1822; mar. John Canney; d.
in Feb., i860. Had three children, all of whom d. in infancy.

6. Irena, b. 25 June, 1824; mar. I^eonard Holley; d. in June, 1873.

7. Betsey Crockett, b. 5 Aug., 1828; mar. Charles Warren; d.
6 Sept., 1905.

8. Silence Jane, b. 15 Dec, 1830, in Blanchard, Me.; mar. 4 July,
1852, George Henry Soule, b. in 1830, son of Daniel and wife, Mary
Hayden; home, in North Leominster, Mass. Issue:

1st. Elizabeth, b. in 1853; mar. in 1889, George A. Malley;
home, in Worcester, Mass.

2nd. Leslie B., b. in 1855; is dec.

3d. Sarah Estelle, b. in 1857; mar. in 1879, George H. Pitcher;
home, in Fitchburg, Mass. Issue:

JOHN, OF BERWICK 263

I. Edward ly., b. in 1880.

II. Henry B., b. in 1882.

4th. Charles Warren, b. in 1862: mar. in 1882, Ellen Glynn;
home, in Fitchburg, Mass. Issue:
I. Bessie, b. in 1883.

To the question, "From what institution of learning are you a
graduate," Mrs Soule answered: — "I graduated from the most famous
institution of learning in New England, perhaps in the United States,
— the little red schoolhouse." Other questions elicited that she had
been interested in prison-reform work and in temperance work; had,
until the last few years, been an active member of the W. C. T. U.
from its beginning. The beautiful composition in her letters, the
expression of thought in few and choice words, so simple and con-
cise in style, that practice alone could make possible the perfection
attained, led the writer to venture one more question, viz.: "Of what
literary works are you the author?" To it there was no direct
answer. The response was that — "If it were desirable for your
book I could furnish a picture of primitive country life three-quarters
of a century ago. We hadn't much except happiness, but that was
pretty satisfactory."

A description of the domestic life of our early ancestors properly
constitutes a part of the family history, the life of one being much
like the life of another; and there is not a great difference in the
domestic life of one who lived two hundred years ago and one who
lived but a hundred years ago. Such a description is presented to
the reader. It is our fortune to have a word-picture of the domestic
life of our ancestors, by an artist who has painted it in the somber
and crude, but pleasing, colors of reality, and with unsurpassed
excellence in all its details. On reading, from the first to the last
paragraph, one is continuously charmed into an exclusive interest as
each feature is presented and accurately described in so few words
that one can quite well repeat them without review, and in such sim-
ple and select diction as to make impossible any confusion of thought.
As she saw and knew and remembers it, that primitive life is made
known to us with such vivid force and beauty, that, while we read we
become impressed in the belief that our ancestors had much to enjoy
which we are denied.

Primitive Country Life of Seventy-five Years Ago.

BY SILENCE J. SOULE.

As I sit at my farmhouse window and look across the pleasant
fields, I see a row of telegraph poles marking the line of the railroad.
A long train from the city passes swiftly by; nearer on the roadway
whizzes a motor-car in a cloud of dust; the telephone is at my hand,
the mail-box at my door.

It is a far cry from these modern conditions to the log house
where I was born three-quarties of a century ago. I sometimes won-
der whether "I b I," whether I shall not wake presently from my
dreamings.

264 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

My forebears on both sides were among the very early settlers
of New Hampshire, and had their part in the making of colonial
history. In those days stout hearts and strong arms were capital
enough for any young man and woman to start in life. For example:
One morning a j'outh and maiden, neither twenty years old, were
married, put on their snow shoes and trudged fearlessly off on their
wedding tour, following a spotted line many miles into the unbroken
forest, to a solitary log cabin. The next winter there came to them
a girl baby, my maternal grandmother, said to be the first white
child born in the town of Wakefield, New Hampshire.

My father and mother came from homes very much like this and
in like manner began for themselves. When mother was married
her father had become so forehanded that he could give his daughter
a very complete "setting out" — a bed and bedding, chest of drawers,
table, six chairs, a new milch cow, six sheep, besides homespun
frocks, a white dimity wedding gown and a plaid silk.

My father, who had, no doubt, inherited something of the
adventurous spirit which led Anthony Brackett to cross the sea,
decided to seek his fortune in the wilds of Maine; accordingly, he
located on the Kennebec river some fifty miles above Augusta where
there was already a small settlement.

A century ago, a journe}' of one hundred-fift}' miles was not to
be lightly undertaken, it having to be made on foot or horseback
over roads hardh' deserving the name; but it could be done. M}^
grandparents several times visited our Maine home, and I remember
that twice father and a friend walked to Ne'.v Hampshire to visit
their relatives, spending from a week to ten days on the road.

With material only too plenty and neighbors to lend a hand, it
did not take long to rear a substantial log house with fireplace and
chimne}' of field stone, with floor of rifted planks and hearthstone
and door-rock in place. An immense back log being rolled into the
fireplace with its companion fire stick and a quantity of light wood
cunningly placed, the fire was kindled and the new home was
established. It must be borne in mind that lighting a fire was not
simply scratching a match. If no far-seeing person had brought fire
there must be recourse to flint and steel, with which, if you were
luck}', 3'ou might get a fire in five minutes. Afterwards the house
would be chinked on the outside with clay and moss, the inside
hewn smooth and a dresser set up for dishes. A lean-to covered
with turf supplied the place of a cellar.

When I, being the youngest, can first remember, affairs had so
prospered that we lived in a frame house having a best room with
braided rugs on the floor and asparagus branches in the fireplace.
The best bed stood in one corner gay with its copper-plate coverlet
and curtains, and high on the tester sheet were stored precious things
out of the way of little folks. Lilacs and cinnamon roses sweetened
the early summer air, and in the flower garden, where a corner was
reserved for sage, chamomile, catnip, feverfew, and other herbs of
power, — hollyhocks, poppies, four-o'clocks, bachelor's-buttons, mari-
golds, double buttercups, sweet-williams, spice pinks, and lady's
delights rioted and bloomed at their own sweet will.

Everybody had to work hard earlj' and late, but there need be
no lack of rude plenty; at any rate not when land enough had been

JOHN, OF BERWICK 265

cleared to raise corn and potatoes. The virgin soil was very produc-
tive, and the fight with bug and blight was not on.

The fuel supply was unlimited; there were all kinds of game,
furred and feathered, in the woods; fish abounded in river and pond;
the sugar maple gave syrup and sugar, the bees, hone}^ and, what
was more important, wax for candles. We picked wild berries in
their season, drying a quantity for winter use, and laid in a store of
nuts.

There was little difference between the richest and poorest of us.
The rich had broader acres and larger barns; in their houses, another
brass kettle or two and more pewter platters shining on the dresser;
but all, rich and poor, toiled hard every da}^ the men in the field
and the women in the house. There was no leisure class and very
little mone5^

We all wore homespun, woolen in winter and linen in summer.
Our plaid linens, natural color or white crossed with blue or brown,
were very pretty. Lace, knit of bleached linen thread, finished
the neck and sleeves of our frocks; for best we wore mitts and
stockings of the white linen, knit in fancy open-work patterns.
Mother was an expert at the loom and wove towel and table linen in
handsome designs, bleaching it on the grass in apple-blossom time
if possible.

We made or raised so nearly all we used that we were very inde-
pendent of the nearest general store seven miles away. I think salt
was the onh' very necessary thing we could not provide. We had
other things as tea, tobacco, spice, raisins, a sugar loaf and rice,
exchanging farm produce for them.

The coming of the tin pedlar three or four times a j^ear was a
ver}' exciting event. Mother got buttons, pins and needles, fine
thread, sometimes a web of cotton sheeting, and we looked with
longing eyes at the flowered calicoes and delaines, not knowing that
our homespun was much more artistic.

My ever increasing wonder is that the days were long enough to
do our work. Not long ago a memorial-day orator said: "A people
are at their best under the spur of necessity." That's where we
were. We early learned that we must work if we would eat and be
clothed, — "must find a wa}" or make a way."

The school privileges were very limited but there was always
some provision. One advantage we had over the much schooled
child of to-day, we were book hungry. For that reason we got a
good deal out of the short school years. Good manners were required
as much as good lessons. Entering the schoolroom, the boys bowed
politely to the teacher and the girls courtesied more or less grace-
fully. It was expected that every person passed on the road should
be saluted, especially strangers. If we were a party, we stood, — •
boys on one side of the road, hats off; girls on the other, bowing and
court esying.

Race suicide did not threaten our community; our family of
eight was very small. The average was nearer twelve than ten.
Often there were fifteen children, and I know one family that num-
bered twenty-two; it is only fair to say that there were two mothers.

The fireplace took up one side of our schoolhouse. On two
other sides shelves were set against the wall for writing desks. The

26G BRACKETT GENEALOGY

seats were long benclies before these desks, the same height for large
and small.

We went to school over a very bleak, hilly road. If a storm
came up in winter we would find father waiting at the schoolhouse
door with the ox-sled; everybody going our way snuggling cosily
under the warm covers with much nudging and giggling. How
pleasant it was when mother, watching for us, flung wide the door
and the red heart of the big fire leaped out into the dark and storm!
How good the supper tasted! beans and brown bread hot from the
oven, boiled dinner on a big blue platter that half covered the table,
or perhaps it was potatoes roasted in the ashes, salt fish broiled over
the coals with slices of salt pork, brown and crisp, and corn cake
baked before the fire.

Supper over, unless there was reading or sewing, no candle was
lighted. Pitch pine knots were heaped on the fire and mother and
the older girls took up their work, generall}^ knitting, while father
and the boys made or mended some farming implements, wove
baskets or shaved sweet-scented cedar shingles, which we younger
ones counted and bunched. Sometimes we practiced writing on big
sheets of birch bark with a coal from the fireplace; paper was scarce
and quill pens needed frequent mending. Often we roasted apples
on the clean-winged hearth, popped corn in the ashes, tending it with
long sticks, or just talked and laughed about nothing, being happy.

Church privileges were also scanty and prized in proportion.
Any itinerant minister giving out notice of a Sunday service at the
schoolhouse would be sure of an attentive audience. Men, women
and children sat patienth' on the hard benches listening to sermons
for hours. A very stern and uncompromising gospel was dealt out
to us, well suited to the needs of those hardy pioneers, before whose
ax and firebrand barbarous nature was slowl)^ retreating. Soft words
were not for such as these. They expected to fight for salvation
even as they fought for subsistence. The bearer of a milder message
would have fallen under grave suspicion of being unsound in doctrine.

Besides our school books we had the Bible, Pilgrim's Progress,
almanacs and our weekly paper, "The Morning Star." Words can-
not describe the eagerness with which we awaited its coming, the
interest with which we read its prosey columns, the delight with
which we learned and recited the rhymes in the poet's corner. The
paper went the rounds of the neighborhood and was then carefulh-
put away; to have torn or burned it would have been a sacrilege.

For amusements, we had in the fall the paring and husking bees,
happily combining work and play. I can think of nothing pleasanter
than the romping games and dancing on the big barn floor by the
light of the harvest moon.

The spelling book was our literary entertainment. There was
great rivalry between districts and good spellers were held in honor.
Recitations and singing began the evening but the interest all cen-
teied in the spelling contest. Cheeks flushed and eyes grew bright
as one after another were "spelled down," and the excitement reached
its lieight when onl}^ one on each side was left to contend.

Of course we had a singing school. Everybody went and sang
heartily in or out of time. One ver}^ pleasant thing about these
gatherings was that they included everybody, young and old, all
having a good time together.

JOHN, OF BERWICK 267

A clever knack of putting together rhymes, hitting of local
events, made father a very welcome guest on any occasion where
speeches were made. He was always in demand at the "raisings"
to "name the building."

These happy days all too quickly sped. The roving spirit had
descended upon my younger brother and he made his way to Boston,
whither he was soon followed by my older sisters. Then indeed we
began to get in touch with the big world through their letters, which
were well worth the twenty cents we paid for postage, and the won-
derful things they brought to us. We began to wear calico and
cashmere and mother went grandly in a pair of rubbers, the admira-
tion and despair of all beholders. Think of it! not a half dozen per-
sons in the neighborhood had ever seen rubbers!

In 1848, I made my first visit to Boston. The railroad had then
been extended to Waterville and the journey was made in a day,
which now takes five hours.

About this time the exodus from the country to town began. It
seemed almost cruel to leave those farms so hardly gained; but the
larger life of the city wooed and our j-oung men were won. The
golden West beckoned and they followed.

I have observed that old people, live much in the past. As I
grow older I find myself turning oftener to the days in the old home.
I hear the patter and the prattle of childish feet and voice; light step
and laugh of youth and maid; sober footfall and serious word of man
and matron; the slowing step and failing voice of age. All, all are
gone! I alone am left of

"The dear home faces whereupon
The fitful firelight paled and shone;
Hence forward, listen as I will
The voices of that hearth are still.
' How strange it seems with so much gone,
Of life and love to still live on."

FAMILY NO. 13.

From Family No. 4. Descent: Anthony-, Thomas, Samuel, Samuel,
John, Miles, Samuel.

Samuel Brackett was born in Berwick, December 16, 1777; mar-
ried Susan Brown, who died November 22, 1805; married (2nd) Jane
Fernald, who died March 15, 1815; married (3d) Joanna Hall, who
died September 26, 1844; lived in Berwick to subsequently to 1830;
moved to Kennebec county where he died January 29, 1842; buried
in town of Albion. Issue:

1. Jacob, b. 5 Nov., 1800. See family 30.

2. Asa, b. 3 Dec, 1803; d. 9 Aug., 1841.

3. Charles, b. i Nov., 1805; d. i Nov., 1805.

4. Melinda, b. 29 Feb., 1812; mar. 3 Nov., 1833, Samuel Clem-
ents, b. in 1805; lived in Palmyra in i860; she d. 2 Mar., 1887. Had
Justin ly., 1836; Joseph F., 1837; Martha A., 1841, mar. Barnum;
Mary A., 1841, d. before 1898] Charles W., 1846; Sarah J., 1845;
Albion S., 1852; Ella M., 1855, mar. Creighton.

5. Samuel, Jr., b. 2 Aug., 1819. See family No. 31.

6. Susan, b. 2 Apr., 1821; mar. 5 Jan., 1848, David Hayes.

268 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

7. Jane, b. 2 Apr.. 1821; mar. 28 Apr., 1838, Oliver Clements,
b. in 1812. Children, Celesta A., 1842; Cynthia J., 1844; Lucinda
L., 1846; John F., 1849; William O., 1851; Alfred L.. 1852.

8. Miles, b. 10 Mar., 1823; never mar.

9. John, b. 30 Dec., 1824; d. 21 Sept., 1825.

10. William, b. 6 Aug., 1826. See family 32.

11. lyois, b. 19 Aug., 1828; mar. 22 Jan., 1848, Benjamin Her-
som, son of John and wife, Eunice Knox; b. 12 Sept., 1816, d. 24
Mar., 1896, was a farmer; home, Lebanon, Me. Issue:

1st. John A. C, b. 25 Mar., 1849; home, Lowell, Mass.

2nd. Betsey Clark, b. 26 July, 1852.

3d. Richard E., b. 20 Jan., 1856; mar. 10 May, 1885, Cora T.
Hersom; home, Chelsea, Mass.

4th. Cynthia, b. 19 Nov., 1859; mar. 10 May, 1879, Thomas
W. Peavey; home, East Rochester, Mass.

5th. Sarah F., b. 4 Mar., 1862; mar. 17 Nov., 1877, Orin Her-
sam; home, Lebanon Center, Me. Issue:

I. Allie D., b. 14 Mar., 1879.

II. Ethel A., b.'io Sept., 1882.

III. Frank A., b. 20 May, 1885.

()th. William F., b. 11 Aug., 1867; mar. 20 Oct., 1893, Marj-
F. Dearborn; home, Rochester, N. H. Issue:
I. Clara Hersom, b. 8 Nov., 1897.
7th. Mattie L., b. 9 Mar., 1870.
8th. Fred A., b. 19 Nov., 1872.

12. L3'dia, b. 19 June, 1831; mar. 2 Mar., 1853, Charles Lord of
Palmyra .

13. Betsey R., b. 3 June, 1833; mar. John Dearborn; d. 26 June,
1856.

14. Mark F., b. 10 Apr., 1836; mar. Frances Wyman; lived in
Bangor, Me.; had son William H., a dentist, in Crawford, N. J.

15. Susan C, b. 4 Sept., 1838; home, in Boston, Mass.

FAMILY NO. 14.

From Famil}' No. 4. Descent: Anthony, Thomas, Samuel, Samuel,
John, Miles, Miles, Jr.

Miles Brackett, Jr., was born September 26, 1780, in Berwick;
moved to Detroit, Me., subsequently to 1820, where he died June 6,
1834; was a farmer; married February 14, 1803, Sarah Hurd, born in
1783, died in 1869, daughter of Joseph and wife, Sarah Wentworth;
he was son of Benjamin Hurd (son of James and wife, Deborah, son
of Benjamin, son of John), born August 2, 1715, in Dover, N. H.,
and wife, Mary Willey, daughter of Samuel and wife, Sarah, of Dur-
ham, N. H. Issue:

1. Hiram, b. in 1803. See family 33.

2. Susan, b. in 1805, in Berwick; mar. in 1828, Thomas Staples;
d. in 1829.

3. Anna, b. in 1808, in Berwick; d. in 1827.

4. Betsey, b. in 1812, in Berwick; mar. in 1821, Thomas Pray;
d. in 1871.

5. Lydia, b. in 1815; mar. in 1837, Isaac Goodwin; d. in 1852.

6. Joseph, b. in 1821; unmar. in 1880.

JOHN, OF BERWICK 269

7. Charles O., b. i Jan., 1823. See family 34.

8. Anna M., b. in 1827.

FAMILY NO. 15.

From Family No. 4. Descent: Anthony, Thomas, Samuel, Samuel,
John, Miles, John.

John Brackett was born January 28, 1785, in Berwick; lived in
Palmyra, Me., where he died July 7, 1869; was a farmer; married in
1806, Susan Hurd, born June 20, 1787, died in 1869, daughter of
Joseph Hurd and wife, Sarah Wentworth (see family 14). Issue:

1. George, b. 6 Apr., 1807; d. 10 May, 1873, in Madison, N. H.;
was mar.; had one dau. who d. in Berwick.

2. Ivory, b. 30 Aug., 181 1. See family 35.

3. Jane, b. 17 Apr., 1814; mar. Jefferson Goodwin, of Palmyra.

4. Sophia, b. 12 Sept., 1820; mar. George D. Waterhouse, of
Palmyra; d. 6 Oct., 1896.

5. Sybil A., b. 25 Oct., 1825; mar. Joseph Lord.

FAMILY NO. 16.

From Family No. 4. Descent: Anthony, Thomas, Samuel, Samuel,
John, Miles, David.

David Brackett, was born July 18, 1793, in North Berwick; a
farmer in Wakefield, N. H., where he died November 29, 1871;
married February 12, 1818, Nancy Fernald, born July 8, 1796, died
March 2, 1882. Issue:

1. Jane, b. 13 Nov., 1818; d. 25 Feb., 1835.

2. Daniel, b. 18 Dec, 1820; mar. Hannah Cook; d. 15 Apr.,
1 88 1. Issue:

1st. Sarah Putnam, b. 22 Aug., 1846.
2nd. Jennie, b. 19 Aug., 1850.
3d. Daniel, b. 24 July, 1862.

3. Miriam, b. 26 Nov., 1824; d. 5 Sept., 1828.

4. Charles E., b. 2 Nov., 1828. See family 36.

5. Miles, b. 26 Mar., 1832; d. 22 Sept., 1863.

6. John H., b. 20 Apr., 1834; home, in Sanbornville, N. H.

7. David F., b. 28 Nov., 1836; home, in Springfield, Mass.

8. Asa M., b. 14 Dec, 1839. See family 37.

FAMILY NO. 17.

From Family No. 5. Descent: Anthony, Thomas, Samuel, Samuel,
John, Nathan, Nathan.

Nathan Brackett was born in 1784, in Berwick; lived in Shap-
leigh, and in Clinton, Kennebec county, Me., in which latter place he

died; was a farmer; married Susannah Holt ; served in war of

1812. Enlisted May 29, 1811, in 3d regiment, 2nd brigade, 8th divi-
sion, militia of Massachusetts. Pensioned on account of injury to
hip received in September, 1814; w^as appointed ensign May 21, 181 1.
Issue:

1. Miriam, never mar.; d. at the age of 86.

2. Eaura, d. in infancy.

270 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

3. Laura, mar. Mark Bates; is dec; had 3 children.

4. Martha, mar. Alfred Wood; is dec; lived in Winslow; had a
large family.

5. Susan, mar. Clarendon Wood; is dec; lived in Benton, Me.

6. Hannah, mar. Dexter; lived in Sangerville, Me.; is dec.

7. Nathan, d. when at the age of 16.

8. Achsah, mar. Newcomb; is dec.

9. Abigail, mar. Harvey; lived in Clinton; is dec.

10. Daniel, born in Clinton; mar. 12 Sept., 1864, Irene M.
Brackett (see fam. 30); home, in Detroit. Issue:

1st. Florence M., b. 23 May, 1869.
2nd. Louis F., b. 6 Nov., 1870.

11. Pluma, mar. Leander Eastman; is dec.

12. Nathan, d. in infancy.

13. Benjamin, b. 16 Mar., 1829. See family 38.

FAMILY NO. 18.

From Family No. 5. Descent: Anthony, Thomas, Samuel, Samuel,
John, Nathan, John.

John Brackett was born April 11, 1787, in Shapleigh, now
Acton, Me., where he always lived; was a tanner and farmer; died
July 24,- 1854; married April 8, 1810, Polly Sharp, born March
7, 1789, died March 21, 1861, daughter of Samuel and wife, Betsey
Woodsum, of Acton. Issue:

1. Paulina, b. 18 Mar., 181 1; d. 30 Apr., 1816.

2. Mary, b. 6 April, 1813; mar. David Libby, b. 30 Mar., 1808,
in Lebanon, Me., d. 16 Oct., 1862, in Brownfield, Me., son of James
L., and wife, Hannah Woodsum; home, in Acton; she d. 2 Maj-,
1849. Issue:

1st. James W., b. 2 Aug., 1833; d. i Jan., 1853.
2nd. Naomi B., b. 16 Jan., 1838; d. 4 Aug., 1843.
3d. Mary A., b. in June, 1842; d. 4 Mar., 1843.
4th. George E., b. 17 Mar., 1846.

3. Nathan, b. 10 Mar., 1815. See family 39.

4. Eliza, b. 17 Sept., 1817; mar. 4 June, 1837, Horace Bodwell,
b. 4 Oct., 1816; home, in Acton. Issue:

1st. John B., b. 5 Oct., 1838; mar. Charlotte Emerk; home, in
Harriman, Tenn.

2nd. Mary E., b. 5 Apr., 1840; mar. N. L. Butler; home, in
Acton, Me.

3d. Miriam B., b. 9 Feb., 1842; mar. Dr. P. C. Garvin; lived
in Frankfort, Kansas; is dec.

4th. Phebe M., b. 23 Dec, 1843; mar. E. N. Watson; lived in
Lynn, Mass.; is dec.

5th. Julia B., b. 3 Dec, 1845; is dec.

6th. Horace J., b. 7 Mar., 1848; mar. Josie Ricker; home, in
Lynn, Mass.

7th. Frank D., b. 20 Mar., 1851; mar. Temperance B. Gowing;
home, in Acton.

8th. Fred K., b. 23 Dec, 1853; mar. Jennie Hutchins; home,
n Acton, Me.

JOHN, OF BERWICK 271

5. Jane, b. 20 June, 1820; mar. 27 Oct., 1839, Leonard Went-
worth, b. 8 Apr., 1813; she d. 11 Oct., 1877. Issue:

1st. Martin Van Buren, b. 2 Oct., 1841; mar. 5 Mar., 1869,
Ora Lord, dau. of Charles C; he d. in 1870.

2nd. Edward A., b. 14 Aug., 1843, mar. 16 May, 1875, Fanny
Lary, dau. of Stephen. Had Lill)^ b. 24 June, 1876.

3d. Martha J., b. 4 May, 1846; mar. 24 Oct., 1875, Stephen
Marsh, of Acton. Had Forest J., b. 5 Sept., 1876.

4th. Crosby L., b. 28 Jan., 1849.

5th. John B., b. 4 Nov., 1855.

6. Martha, b. 23 Nov., 1822; mar. Ephraim Wentworth. Chil-
dren, Augusta; Harry; Rose; Orville.

7. Naomi, b. 29 Apr., 1825; d. 6 Oct., 1827.

8. Draxy, b. 17 Oct., 1827; mar. Luther Godding. Children,
Herbert; Howard; Charles.

FAMILY NO. 19.

From Family No. 5. Descent: Anthony, Th'omas, Samuel. Samuel,
John. Nathan, James H.

James Hurd Brackett was born in 1790, in Acton, Me.; married
Hannah Brazier; lived for a time in Clinton; served in the war of
1812, enlisted April 17, 1813. in Captain Robert Douglas' company,
34th United States infantry, for the term of one year, which he
served; discharged at Platsburg, N. Y.; was in battle of Chabeaugay
in October, 1813; allowed pension in 1831, at which time he was a
resident of Kennebec count}'. Issue:

1. John, who died in infancy.

2. Benjamin, d. unmar. subsequently to 1850.

3. George W., who d. in the army; was perhaps the George W.
Brackett who served in company G., 7th Me. vol. inf.

4. Phoeba, who mar. David Clough. Issue:
1st. Edward.

2nd. Nettie, who mar. John Forem.
3d. Hannah, who mar. Edward Soule.
4th. Lizzie, who mar. Lockhart Hayes.
5th. Frank, who died at the age of 14 years.

5. Franklin H., b. 16 July, 1836. See family 40.

6. Mary Elizabeth, b. 28 Feb., 1839; mar. in 1861. Charles J.
Grifhn, son of Joseph and wife, Sarah Jane Parker; home, in Port-
land. Issue:

1st. Hattie, born 1862, mar. William Brazier; had Augustus;
Chester; Joseph; and Arthur William.

2nd. Walter Brackett, born in 1864; mar. Maud Moss.

3d. Alice, born 1880; mar. Joseph P. Prahm, a mariner, son
of Joseph William; home, in Portland.

FAMILY NO. 20.

From Family No. 6. Descent: Anthony, Thomas, Samuel, Samuel,
John, Moses, Moses, Jr.

Moses Brackett, Jr., was born in 1792, in New Hampshire, prob-
ably in the town of Milton; removed to town of Clinton, Kennebec

272 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

county; Me., where he died subsequently to i860; was a farmer;
married Abigail Brackett (see family 5.) Issue:

1. Phebe, b. 26 Jan., 1821; mar. Israel H. Richardson, farmer
and cattle drover, b. 17 Dec, 1817, d. 17 June, 1898, son of Israel
and wife, Sarah Wells, of Benton, Me.; always lived in Clinton.
Issue:

1st. Emma F., b. 12 Dec, 1845; mar. John W. Walker, son
of Ivory and wife, Betsey Titcomb; home, in East Fairfield, Me.
Issue:

I. Lidie M., b. 26 Oct., 1870; telegraph operator.

II. Guy I., b. 28 July, 1872; d. i Dec, 1876.

III. Ivor}', b. 21 Oct., 1873; d. 5 Dec, 1876.

IV. Floy E., b. 21 July, 1882.

2nd. Moses I., b. 17 Nov., 1847; mar. Eulu Holt. Children,
Earl; Maud; Arietta; Blaine; Eee; Emma.

3d. Albion F., b. 5 Dec, 1849.

4th. Abbie J., b. 5 Mar., 1852; mar. 8 Nov., 1874, George L.
Ricker. Had sons, Ra}^ C. and Dwight.

5th. Nathan, b. 6 June, 1855; is dec.

2. John, b. 14 Sept., 1822; never mar.; d. 4 May, 1856.

3. Moses, b. 23 Jan., 1825; never mar.; d. 7 Sept., 1879.

4. Mary E., b. 25 Feb., 1827; d. 28 Aug., 1827.

5. Betsey J., b. 4 Aug., 1830; d. 25 Mar., 1854.

6. Abigail, b. 10 Nov., 1833; mar. Warren Burrill; home, in
Clinton.

7. Aaron, b. 12 July, 1834; d. 19 Jan., 1837.

8. Miriam, b. 15 Dec, 1840; d. i Oct., 1862.

NINTH GENERATION.

FAMILY NO. 2L

From B'amily No. 7. Descent: Anthony, Thomas, Samuel, Samuel,
John, James, John, John.

John Brackett was born June 4, 1803, in Parsonsfield, Me.; re-
sided all his life in Parsonsfield; was closely associated with its pub-
lic affairs; county treasurer from 1856-9 and selectman 1835-9; ^
farmer; died February 4, 1886. Married March 23, 1827, Jemima
L. Lord, born Juh' 10, 1802, died in 1893, daughter of Reuben
Wentworth Eord and wife, Patience Brackett (see division 11, family
i), was son of Abraham Lord; he died in 1783, married Betsey Davis
of Portsmouth, was son of Captain Samuel Lord; he was born June 14,
1689, died before 1765, married in Kittery, October 19, 1710, Martha
Wentworth, was son of Nathan; he married November 22, 1678,
Martha Tozier. Martha Wentworth was born February 9, 16S4; was

daughter of Paul (and wife Catharine ); he was born about 1655;

died 1750, was son of the immigrant, Elder William Wentworth who
was in America in Juh', 1639. Perhaps Martha Tozier was daughter
of Richard Tozier, Jr.; he married July 3, 1656, Judith Smith,
Deputy Governor Bellingham officiating. Richard Tozier, Jr., was
twice captured and carried to Canada by the Indians, and his wife

JOHN, OF BERWICK 273

three times, twice with him; there are many traditions about her
exploits with the Indians. One was — and I have heard my father
relate the story many times — that a party of Indians came upon her
while she was boiling soap; at short range she let fly the hot soap
by the ladleful on the naked bodies of the redskins. Richard
Tozier, Jr., was son of Sergeant Richard Tozier, Sr., killed October
i6, 1675, with Isaac Botts, at Tozier's garrison house in Berwick.
Issue:

1. John Wentworth, b. 21 Apr., 1828; a manufacturer of pianos;
mar. 24 Dec, 1862, Rhoda F. B. Hoyt, b. 24 Oct., 1842, d. 20 Oct.,
1863, dau. of Dr. Enos and wife, Grace R. Crosby; resides in Boston.

2. Cyrus Fogg, b. 24 June, 1833, in Parsonsfield; chemist; M. D.;
LIv. D.; prepared for college at common schools and Parsonsfield
academy, graduated from Bowdoin college, class of 1859; studied
medicine at the Maine Medical school from which he graduated, class
of 1863; in same year was appointed to a chair of instruction in
Bowdoin college; continued in its service until 1873, in which year
he accepted the Henry professorship of physics ■at Princeton university
which he still holds; is officer and member of several scientific asso-
ciations and is author of text-book on physics and chemistry. Mar.
28 Dec, 1864, Alice A. Briggs of Amesbury, Mass., d. Aug. 17,
1885, dau. of Richard and wife, Roberts. No issue.

3. Susan Elizabeth, b. 30 Apr., 1840; mar. Alfred Brown of
Wolfboro, N. H.

4. Emily Adelaide, b. 22 Oct., 1841; lives in Parsonsfield.

FAMILY NO. 22.

From Family No. 8. Descent: Anthony, Thomas, Samuel, Samuel,.
John, James, James, James.

James Brackett was born in Parsonsfield, June i, 1805; was a
farmer and mechanic; lived in Portland, later in Boston; died June
5, 1848; married in 1829, Betsey Barker, born March i, 1805, died
October 26, 1880, daughter of Ezra and wife, Betsey Seavey, of Lim-
erick, Me. Issue:

1. Mary Perry, mar. Anthony Alvarez of Cuba; d. 14 Nov., 1S80,
in Lawrence, Mass. No issue.

2. Irene Cole, mar. John Delgado of Cuba; d. 6 Dec, 1881, in
Lawrence, Mass. Issue:

1st. Leonora, who mar.; has children; lives in Cuba.

2nd. Charlotte Elizabeth, who lives in Lawrence, Mass.

3. Ann Cartland, b. 3 Mar., 1835; lives in Lawrence. The fol-
lowing is from her pen in letter under date of September, 1904.
"How much is rushed into a lifetime! Births and deaths, hopes and
fears, disappointments and successes — all weave the warp of life;
and when we lay it down few mourn, none joy, and the world moves
on. 'The world is for those who come after.' "

4. John Brackett, mar. Emma Fessenden of Boston, Mass.; d.
19 Nov., 1880, in Lawrence. No issue.

5. James Edwin, d. at the age of seven years, in Parsonsfield.

274 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

FAMILY NO. 23.

From Famil}^ No. lo. Descent: Anthonj^ Thomas, Samuel, Sam-
uel, John, James, L,evi, Silas.

Silas Brackett was born February 8, i8og, in North Berwick;
was a carpenter; resided in Bangor where he died May 24, 1877;
married Abigail Richardson, born about 18 16. Issue:

1. Isaac J., b. about 1835; was lost at sea.

2. Boardman, b. about 1837; is dec.

3. Charles H., b. about 1840; is dec.

4. Mercy A., b. about 1844; mar. Lewis Holt; is dec.

5. Charles.

6. Joel, resides in Holden; is mar. and has children.

FAMILY NO. 24.

From Family No. 10. Descent: Anthony, Thomas, Samuel, Sam-
uel, John, James, Levi, James.

James Brackett was born Januar)^ 181 1, in North Berwick; was a
farmer; lived in Bradford, where he died May 19, 1859; married Sep-
tember 22, 1833, in Lebanon, Me., Sally Gowin, born in 1813, died
June 15, 1886, daughter of James and wife, Dorothj^ Bra}', of Brad-
ford. Issue:

1. David, b. 27 Nov., 1834. See family 41.

2. Freeman, b. in 1840; was a soldier in the civil war; d. in
Salisbury prison, in North Carolina.

3. Ellen M., b. in Oct., 1844; mar. Greenleaf Twombly; home,
in Gardiner, Me. Children, Emma J.; Herbert F.; Alma M.; Myra
V.

4. Manly G., b. 9 Dec, 1854. See family 42.

FAMILY NO. 25.

From Family No. 10. Descent: Anthony, Thomas, Samuel, Sam-
uel, John, James, Levi, John.

John Brackett was born in North Berwick, December 21, 1815;
was a farmer; always lived in North Berwick; died January i, 1883;
married in Dec, 1840, Olive Fall, born May 4, 1820, died March 30,
1873, daughter of Humphrey and wife, Sally Abbott. Issue:

1. Humphrey F., b. 10 Apr., 1841; is a physician and locomotive
engineer; home, in Brighton, Mass.; mar. 25 June, 1870, Martha
A. Jones, b. 23 Aug., 1841, dau. of James, Jr., and wife, Martha E.
Goodwin, of Lebanon, Me. Issue:

1st. Annie J., b. 3 Sept., 1873; d. 28 July, 1894.

2. David H., b. 29 May, 1843. See family 43.

3. Clara A., b. i Oct., 1849; mar. Amos F. Bartlett; d. Feb. 13,
1888, in Concord, N. H.

4. Ellen A., b. i May, 1853; mar. Fred L. Pierce; home, in Leb-
anon, Me.

5. Mary O., b. 5 Mar., 1859; d. 29 Oct., 1874.

JOHN, OF BERWICK 275

FAMILY NO. 26.

From Family No. lo. Descent: Anthony, Thomas, Samuel, Sam-
uel, John, James, Levi, Levi K.

Levi K. Brackett was born April 8, 1832, in North Berwick; is
a farmer and carpenter; has lived in South Berwick; home, in Ber-
wick; supplied a great deal of data relative to the descendants of
James of Berwick; married May 24, 1856, Ann B. Given, born Sep-
tember 6, 1830, in St. Albans, Me., is deceased, daughter of Sam-
uel and wife, Hannah . Issue:

1. Carrie M., b. 14 Apr., 1859; d. 29 Jan., 1897.

2. Lizzie A., b. 18 May, i860; mar. 15 Oct., 1884, M. Elmer
Roberts of Danville, Va., who d. 22 Sept., 1893. Issue:

1st. Verne D., b. 28 Aug., 1887, in Danville.
2nd. Milton E., b. 26 Jan., 1889, in Danville.

3. L. Bert, b. 13 July, 1863. See family 44.

FAMILY NO. 27.

From Family No. ir. Descent: Anthony, Thomas, Samuel, Sam-
uel, John, James, Ebenezer, Charles L.

Charles L. Brackett was born April 17, 1843; is a mechanic;
home, in North Berwick village; married December i, 1869, Marj-
A. Roberts, born May 6, 1841, daughter of Aaron H. and wife, Jane
Stone, of Berwick. Issue:

1. Fannie E., b. 21 Feb., 1871; mar. 25 Oct., 1893, John W.
Nowell, who d. 16 Dec, 1903. Issue:

1st. Herbert Brackett, b. 30 June, 1896.
2nd. John Roger, b. 22 Oct., 1898.
3d. Dorothy, b. 27 Feb., 1901.
4th. Olive Esther, b. 22 Mar., 1903.

2. Fred H., b. 18 June, 1875; mar. 28 Nov., 1891, Lillian G.
Moulton; home, in North Berwick.

3. Arthur A., b. 15 May, 1877; mar. 25 Nov., 1903, Alice N.
Littlefield; home, in North Berwick.

4. Leslie L., b. 30 July, 1881.

FAMILY NO. 28.

From Family No. 12. Descent: Anthony, Thomas, Samuel, Sam-
uel, John, Daniel, Ivory, Charles T.

Charles Thurston Brackett was born April 25, 1815; married
Serena Mclntyre; he died November 6, 1861. Issue:

1. Charles Albert, b. about 1838; is dec; mar. Nancy Dutton;
had one child, which is dec.

2. Mary D., b. about 1849; mar. John Gowan, who is dec; had
three children, all of whom are dec.

FAMILY NO. 29.

From Family No. 12. Descent: Anthony, Thomas, Samuel, Sam-
uel, John, Daniel, Ivory, Nathaniel W.

Nathaniel Willey Brackett was born November 14, 1816; mar-
ried Martha McCausland; he died January 12, 1863. Issue:

276 BRACKETT GENEALOGY

1. Sarah C, b. about 1844; mar. Thomas Waterman; had Alfred.

2. George L., b. about 1848; mar. Effie Partridge; no issue.

3. Frank W., b. about 1856; mar. Lizzie Cook; had Carl.

4. Nathaniel W., b. about 1858; mar. Clara . Children, Roy